Affairs and Tourism, on International Biodiversity Day, Dinokeng
22 May 2007
"Indalo Yethu, Save Tomorrow Today"
Chairperson, Mayor Seerane
Pam Yako, Director-General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism (DEAT)
Members of the Indalo Yethu Board
Honoured guests
We are here today to give life and power to Indalo Yethu which has the task
of mobilising our nation in environmental awareness.
In a sense, Indalo Yethu's mission was set many ages ago right here in the
cradle of humankind. It dates all the way back to when humans began to
differentiate themselves from the rest of the animal kingdom and embarked on a
unique course of development which involved extensive often ruthless
exploitation of the earth's natural resources. The consequences of this for the
survival of life on our planet are now widely known and are beginning to be
appreciated at a profound level.
Indalo Yethu, together with many similar initiatives around the world
carries a heavy responsibility and it would be easy to become paralysed by the
sheer weight of this duty. But the possibilities of success are also great and
we need to keep our strengths firmly in focus as we set out to correct and
redefine our relationship with the environment.
The first of these strengths is strong leadership and clear direction. Over
the past two or three years powerful leadership on the environmental debate has
asserted itself across the globe. We have world political leaders, communities,
top scientists and even captains of multinational industries speaking out
loudly and with one voice.
The second strength is that we know what corrective steps to take and many
of these actions are within our reach. It lies very largely in changing our
patterns of energy consumption and shifting to advanced energy technologies for
cleaner and renewable energy production in order to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and put the brakes on climate change.
The third strength is that the threat of environmental degradation affects
everyone. Yes, it is true that the poorest populations are likely to be worst
affected by the natural disasters of climate change because they do not have
the means to defend themselves. But the rich and the powerful also have much to
lose. So it really is a case of sink or swim together! And this may be the
factor that cements political will and builds mass pressure for change.
It is often said that South Africa is a microcosm of the world, with its
diversity of people, its dual economy and its extremes of wealth and poverty.
And this generalisation is largely true when it comes to environmental
impact.
Fortunately, we do not have to make a choice between economic development
and good environmental practices. We can have both but we can't follow the same
road to growth that earlier generations followed.
Now you may be wondering, if South Africans face such different
environmental challenges, how can we have a single national campaign like
Indalo Yethu? I believe a powerful united response through a partnership
between government, the private sector and communities are not only possible
but are the best path to follow.
In the first place, we all have the same basic goal even if we need to take
different actions to achieve that goal. We all want to protect our environment
better and therefore give our children the chance to live in a land that is
safe and beautiful and provide them with the necessities of life. We want that
no matter whether we are rich or poor, employers or workers. And every single
one of us can help achieve this goal whether we build new housing schemes with
solar electricity panels or reduce the gases pouring from our factories or
collect paper and cans for recycling.
The second reason we believe one united campaign is right for South Africa
is because it offers us another opportunity to strengthen the historic process
of forging a single nation. I believe that the people of this country will
stand together when they fully understand the threat to our land because we
share a deep love of this land.
Indalo Yethu aims to get the nation to its feet by the call to action, 'save
tomorrow today.' By using the word "save" we will make people aware that we
need to do more and that the consequences of inaction will be fatal. By
choosing the word "tomorrow" we want to make it clear that results may not be
immediate but that the benefits will be enjoyed by our children and our
children's children. And by using the word "today" we want to drive home the
point that we cannot delay we have already waited too long and some damage will
be unavoidable. It is clear that the success of this campaign will reside in
achieving behaviour change.
Today, as you know, is International Biodiversity Day. And I can think of
nothing better to do on this day than introduce a new species to the world: the
Indalo Yethu butterfly. Its colours you will notice match the South African
flag. We believe that it will become a symbol of the enlightened patriotism of
our people of our determination to express our love for our land and for our
children through action to save their future. We can save tomorrow if we start
today. Together we can do it!
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
22 May 2007
