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Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa’s Shark Crisis: Decisive enforcement action under way

DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and working with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has taken firm action against a shark longline vessel found to have breached permit conditions — reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s shark populations and restoring integrity in our fisheries. Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa reaffirms oppositions to ivory and rhino horn trade

South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation is grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and support for communities who live alongside wildlife

Recent media reports have suggested that South Africa intends to break ranks with the international consensus on the ivory and rhino horn trade ahead of the upcoming CITES COP20. This is incorrect. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reaffirms that South Africa remains fully committed to the…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on reforming fiscal responsibility and environmental impact

The DFFE is not only a department of government, it is a steward of South Africa’s natural heritage and a driver of inclusive growth

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is central to South Africa’s ecological and economic future. Yet we are operating in a constrained fiscal climate. A R2.5 billion reduction over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework compels us to rethink how we work, spend, and deliver. My vision is clear:…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Minister Dion George welcomes arrest of international rhino horn syndicate

SAPS Hawks strike international rhino horn syndicate – six arrested in landmark investigation to protect South Africa’s wildlife

After a seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has dismantled a major transnational rhino horn trafficking network. The syndicate is linked to a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns, worth millions of rands, destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia. Six suspects, between…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Minister Dion George on 47th World Heritage Committee session

Minister George sends well wishes to South African delegation negotiating extension of iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique at the 47th world heritage committee session

The Minister, Dr Dion George, has wished the South African delegation negotiating for the proposed extension of iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Maputo National Park in Mozambique well, as they participate at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France. South Africa is among 195 other countries participating…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

Minister Dion George to sign Landmark Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement on behalf of South Africa at the 2025 United Nations Oceans Conference in France

Minister George highlighted that the Forum is a vital platform for South Africa, as our ocean and blue economy is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will be attending the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France and will on 9 June 2025, sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on behalf of South Africa.  Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

Minister Dion George concludes South Africa’s participation at Copenhagen Climate Ministerial

The Ministerial was a critical platform to advance the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, with direct implications for South Africans

Minister Dion George, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has concluded an impactful participation at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial in Denmark on 7-8 May 2025, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to a resilient, sustainable future. Representing the nation ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Minister Dion George championed…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Minister Dion George announces proclamation and implementation of Climate Change Act

The Act reflects the government’s commitment to achieving a just transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic empowerment and job creation

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, is pleased to inform the members of the public that the President, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, has proclaimed the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No. 22 of 2024) (the Act). The proclamation notice was published in the Government Gazette…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Deputy Minister Narend Singh leads delegation to United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD COP 16), 21 October to 1 November

South Africa’s participation is guided by a strong negotiating mandate that aligns with the African Common Position as per resolutions of the 10th Special Session of the African Ministers Conference for Environment (AMCEN)

South Africa participates in UNCBD COP16 to advance global biodiversity agenda South Africa will participate in the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD COP 16), taking place in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October - 1 November 2024.  Led by…

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Source: Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |

South Africa: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment celebrates World Ozone Day 2024

The celebration will foster a spirit of unity and purpose among participants globally, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing climate action

South Africa joins the global community today, 16 September 2024, in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme "Advancing Climate Action."  This year marks 36 years since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, with the United Nations observing Ozone Day. This year’s celebration…