Environmental Affairs and Tourism, at the launch of the threatened or protected
species regulations
20 February 2007
Today, it gives me great pleasure to publish the regulations that pertain to
threatened and protected species. These regulations will come into effect on 1
June 2007.
The regulations are a culmination of a three year period of consultation
between government, civil society, the wild life industry as well as animal
welfare groups. They also take into account several recommendations by a panel
of experts which I appointed in January 2005.
For the first time nationally listed species will now have uniform
conservation status across the country. Government will have new muscle to
ensure that our biodiversity is utilised in an ecologically sustainable way. A
broad range of restricted activities will now require permits. The illicit
trading of our endangered fish, bird and plant species, like cycads, will be
rooted out. The same legal standards will apply throughout the country, closing
loopholes and removing discrepancies between provinces.
In support of these regulations, our initiatives to improve law enforcement
demonstrate government's resolve to protect our biological heritage. The Green
Scorpions will continue to play a key role in ensuring compliance.
Let me turn to some of the specifics:
* Registration and self regulation
The regulations introduce a uniform national system for the registration of
captive breeding operations, commercial exhibition facilities, game farms,
nurseries, scientific institutions, sanctuaries and rehabilitation facilities.
These institutions will be required to meet strict criteria. For the first
time, provision will be made for the recognition of hunting organisations and
the application of codes of ethical conduct and good practice.
The introduction of game farm hunting and nursery possession permits will
streamline the permit issuing process. It will also compel permit holders to
provide critical information to the authorities which will assist in assessing
the status of biodiversity in the country.
* Meeting international commitments
In order to meet our Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES) commitments, we are establishing a national scientific authority which
will replace the current fragmented system. The new authority will enable
uniform implementation and provide access to scientific information beyond just
CITES species.
As a signatory to the international convention on biodiversity, South Africa
has a commitment to the sustainable use of our natural resources. We understand
the huge responsibility that rests on our shoulders to nurture the ecological
and economic value of our biodiversity. Therefore, we must protect the
integrity of our ecosystems to ensure their long term contribution to tourism
and job creation. These regulations empower us to do this.
Canned lion hunting
We are putting an end, once and for all, to the reprehensible practice of
canned hunting. The regulations specifically prohibit hunting large predators
and rhinoceros that are "put and take" animals, in other words a captive bred
animal that is released on a property for the purpose of hunting within 24
months.
South Africa has a long standing reputation as a global leader on
conservation issues. We cannot allow our achievements to be undermined by rogue
practices such as canned lion hunting.
Cleaning up the hunting industry
More broadly, the regulations signal the start of a clean-up of the hunting
industry. They lay the basis for a well regulated and ethical hunting and game
farming industry in South Africa.
Whilst we applaud their substantial and positive contribution to
conservation management and economic growth, we also have a responsibility to
preserve the resource base and ensure that the industry has a sustainable
future. In order to do this, we must balance economic objectives with
conservation management objectives. Hunting is an important industry, but we
must manage it in accordance with ethical and defensible standards.
The regulations include prohibitions and restrictions on certain activities
and methods of hunting. For example, hunting thick skinned animals and large
predators with a bow and arrow will be prohibited and hunting from vehicles
will no longer be allowed.
Two step process
The implementation of these regulations will be the first step of a two step
process to clean up the hunting and game farming industry. The next step will
be to promote even greater uniformity with regard to elements of the hunting
industry that we are not dealing with today. We will introduce national norms
and standards that provide a framework for provincial regulation and further
streamline permitting. This will also be developed in close consultation with
the industry, provincial authorities and other stakeholders.
The regulations are available on http://www.environment.gov.za/
Enquires:
Blessing Manale
Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 083 677 1630
Riaan Aucamp
Director: Ministerial Liaison
Cell: 083 778 9923
Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
20 February 2007
