NATIONAL NEWS - Today, the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is being briefed by the provincial Department on the proposed Western Cape Biodiversity Bill.
The DA urges residents to partake in the public participation process for this Bill, as the environment is integral to the support of both lives and livelihoods.
Submissions or further clarifications can be made to the Standing Committee’s Procedural Officer, Ms S Niekerk, at sniekerk@wcpp.gov.za.
Currently, Western Cape protected areas and biodiversity concerns are managed through a cluster of national and provincial laws. But because of the DA’s belief in lean, streamlined governance, the Bill seeks to tackle environmental challenges head-on and minimise red tape.
The draft legislation therefore seeks to address the following:
- Part 1 - Expansion of protected areas: This allows for the Provincial Protected Areas Expansion Policy to be carried out, such that biodiversity targets are met for conservation efforts;
- Part 2 - Mountain catchment areas: By declaring the management of these catchment areas, we are able to safeguard the provision of water and sustain ecosystem services. Considering that 59% of South Africa's strategic water reserves are found in the Western Cape, this is particularly important;
- Part 3 - Biodiversity stewardship: Through this mechanism, landowners are allowed to enter biodiversity stewardship agreements with government which will assist in achieving the goals of the Provincial Protected Areas Expansion Policy; and
- Part 4 - Biosphere reserves: This will include the application for UNESCO designation of biosphere reserves. In this way, we are better positioned to receive international funding for Western Cape protected areas.
We are also firm in our view that accountability and checks-and-balances must be strengthened. That is why the provincial Minister will be able to conduct oversight over the Head of Department, as well as CapeNature and its Board.
Furthermore, more ecosystems which require preservation will be able to be identified with the necessary guidelines to preserve our biodiversity. Not only does this add to further accountability, but it stands to result in addressing issues proactively and with agility.
The Western Cape economy heavily relies on the wellbeing of our environment. Through this new legislation, we will be able to ensure environmental resilience and inclusivity upon which a strong economy is built for the future.
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