The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Barbara Thomson, will address the first China-South Africa Youth Volunteers Forums workshop to be hosted at the Tshwane University of Technology on 17 November 2015.
The first wildlife conservation forum between the two countries follows the signing on 23 March 2015 of the Wildlife Conservation related Implementation Plan in Pretoria by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, and the Vice Administrator of the State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Sun Zhagen. A Memorandum of Understanding was entered into between the two governments on Cooperation in the Fields of Wetland and Desert Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation in 2013.
The implementation plan promotes cooperation between the Parties in the fields of law enforcement, compliance with CITES and other related/ applicable and relevant legislation, treaties and Conventions on the basis of equality and mutual benefit as well as technology transfer.
The Implementation Plan recognises that South Africa and China are facing common challenges with respect to wetland and desert ecosystems and wildlife conservation highlighting that both countries are aware of the urgency to find cost-effective and long-term solutions in addressing wildlife and ecosystem issues through international co-operation.
The delegation of youth volunteers from the People’s Republic of China will be led by the Deputy Minister of State Forestry Administration, Mr Fengxue Chen.
The forum on wildlife conservation aims to enhance communication and understanding between people in South Africa and China on conservation matters. In the forum, the volunteers from both countries will have the opportunity to share ideas, methods, as well as results in their practice of wildlife conservation volunteering.
Media are invited to attend.
Venue: FNB Auditorium, Building 6, Tshwane University of Technology, Staatsartillerie Street, Pretoria West
Date: 17 November 2015
Time: 13h30 to 18h00
To RSVP contact:
Dimakatso Tsutsubi
Tel: 012 399 9974
Cell: 084 809 4329
E-mail: dtsutsubi@environment.gov.za
Eleanor Momberg
Tel: 012 399 9948
Cell: 083 400 5741
E-mail: emomberg@environment.gov.za
For media inquiries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
