Presentation to NCOP May 2004

Branch: Biodiversity & Conservation Programme 5

To promote and conserve South Africa’s Biological Diversity,manage conservation to protect for the sustainable utilization of natural resources for the benefit of all

Purpose of the Programme

Achievements 2003 / 2004

Legislation

NEM: Protected Areas Act – Assented to by President (S75) (Act No 57 of 2003)

NEM: Biodiversity Bill – Approval by Parliament

Policy Development CBNRM guidelines finalised and launched

Draft National Biodiversity Strategy developed

Transfrontier Conservation Area’s AI/AIS – Richtersveld TFCP Treaty signed Memorandum of Understanding for Limpopo / Shashe – finalised (Presidential approval for signing obtained)

Achievements 2003 / 2004…….cont

Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Develop border post between SA and Mozambique

New road and accommodation projects completed

Drop of 16km fence between SA / Mozambique

Biodiversity and Heritage Maphungubwe inscribed as Cultural World Heritage Site

Cultural Heritage Resources Management and Tourism guidelines developed

Protected Areas Agreement on declaration of Blyde as National Park

121 000 ha added to Protected Areas system

Consensus with Eastern Cape Province on Conservation Areas for Wild Coast

Programme Activities 2004/5

Increase Tourism Infrastructure in Protected Areas New wilderness camp – Kgalagadi.

Open Mata-Mata Gate between SA / Namibia.

New road to Kgalagadi TFCP

Implementation of Protected Areas Act Norms and Standards

Regulations for South Africa National Parks

Framework for Management Plans

Protected Areas Register

Programme Activities 2004/5cont….

Implementation of Biodiversity Act Establish South African National Biodiversity Institute

Alignment of Provincial Ordinances - Audit

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan approved by Cabinet

Listing of Alien Invasive Species and Control programme

Programme Activities 2004/5cont….

Establish a national system of managing Biodiversity and ConservationExpand Protected Areas by 35 000 ha. Declare Qwa-Qwa / Golden Gate as one National Park.

Drop ±18km fence at Kruger National Park (SA / Mozambique).

Sign MoU with Botswana / Zimbabwe-Limpopo Shashe TFCP.

Inscription of Cape Floral Kingdom as World Heritage Site.

Implement Community Based Natural Resource guidelines.

Trade procedure for sale of ivory finalised.

Effective participation in International Forums.

Implementation of National Action Plan and Desertification.

MTEF-Allocation

2004/05…

BRANCH:Personnel R 11 387 millionOperational R 26 430 millionTotal R 37 817 million

TRANSFER PAYMENTS to ENTITIES:

Great St Lucia Wetlands per Authority R 9 596 MILLION

South Africa National Parks• Financial Assistance R 68 631• Park development R 41 000• Road subsidy R 12 000Total R121 631 million

MTEF-Allocation

2004/05……..Continue

National Botanical Institute•Financial Assistance R 63 272 •Working for Wetlands R 30 000•Infrastructure Investment R 14 500

R 107 772

Grand Total R 276 816 million

THANK YOU!