Environmental Affairs and Tourism publishes second draft of Alien and
Invasive Species

3 April 2009

On 3 April 2009, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, published the second draft of Alien and Invasive
Species (AIS) Regulations under section 97 and 98 of the National Environmental
Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004) as well as draft lists
of categories of species exempted in terms of section 66, prohibited alien
species under section 67 and invasive species under section 70 for public
comment in Gazette No 32090.

The regulations have been developed to address the management and control of
alien and invasive species. Alien and invasive species spread out of control
because they originate from other countries and therefore do not have natural
enemies in South Africa, or are translocated between provinces, without risk
assessments done prior to the introduction in the new environment. They may
therefore pose a threat to biodiversity through for example hybridisation. The
lack of management, prevention and continued encroachment by alien and invasive
species poses a serious threat to indigenous species and biodiversity in
general.

The first draft of the AIS regulations was published in September 2007 for
public comment. Following the incorporation of the comments received by the
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and completion of the
document by an appointed task team, it was recommended that the AIS draft
regulations be re-published for public comment. The recommendation was made due
to the resulting draft being substantially different from the previous one.
Amongst others it included the categorisation of species. This recommendation
was approved by Minister and the MEC (MINMEC). The department will within 12
months publish maps for fish and mammal distribution as an annexure to
supplement and facilitate the implementation of the regulations where
management by area is critical.

With regard to the implementation of the regulations, the department will
work in close co-operation with the National Departments of Water Affairs and
Forestry (DWAF), Agriculture (DoA), the provincial departments responsible for
nature conservation, the local municipalities, the industry and communities as
the implementation requires immense capacity and has cross-cutting
responsibilities. The department is currently working on a national AIS
implementation strategy in order to achieve a well co-ordinated and
cost-effective national implementation effort.

Any person who wishes to submit written representations and or objections to
the proposed regulations is invited to do so within 30 days of the publication
of the notice in Gazette No 32090.

For a copy of the draft lists and the draft regulations visit:
http://www.environment.gov.za/HotIssues/2009/invsvSpecies/alienInvsvSpecs.html

All representations and comments must be submitted in writing to the
Director-General (DG) of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism by
post:

The Director-General: Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Attention: Mr Bonani Madikizela
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001

Hand deliver to:
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Attention: Mr Bonani Madikizela
Fedsure Building
North Tower Room 1213
315 Pretorius Street
Pretoria

By fax: 012 320 2733
E-mail: bmadikizela@deat.gov.za

Any queries in connection with the draft regulations can be directed
to:
Mr Bonani Madikizela
Tel: 012 310 3308
E-mail: bmadikizela@deat.gov.za

Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Roopa Singh
Tel: 012 310 3566
Cell: 082 225 3076
E-mail: rsingh@deat.gov.za

Ms Judith van der Merwe
Tel: 012 310 3309
Cell: 083 321 2617
E-mail: jvdmerwe@deat.gov.za

Mr Albi Modise
Tel: 012 310 3123
Cell: 083 490 2871
E-mail: amodise@deat.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
3 April 2009
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)