Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development hosts a Biodiversity Conference
The Executive Council of Bokone Bophirima has at its sitting on the 28 September 2016 in Haartebeespoort congratulated the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development for hosting the first of its kind Biodiversity Conference.
Premier, SOR Mahumapelo will deliver a keynote address at this inaugural 2016 Mebala Ya Rona Biodiversity Conference which is being hosted by the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development Department in Bokone Bophirima.
The three day conference, which will be hosted under the theme: "Business of nature", seeks to offer new solutions to challenges faced by wildlife and biodiversity sectors in the country.
Mahumapelo sees this ground-breaking conference as ”an opportunity to reclaim the space as the location for ideas which will not just benefit the wildlife and tourism, but will also cater for the needs of all our people – especially the communities of Pilanesburg.”
The Provincial Government has through its concrete number one – Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT) committed to take action and accelerate biodiversity transformation.
As part of the conference, the READ department would like a great contribution to be made to the blueprints for conservation, guideposts for growth and sustainable use of resource base, transformation action, and a vision for how communities wish to leave lands, waters, and wildlife for future generations.
The following are key dialogue areas for the conference:
- The captive lion breeding and hunting industry amid current national and internal pressure; can the practice still be sustainable;
- Harnessing and maximising the potential of devil's claw plant and any other material in deriving economic value for the locals;
- Endorsement of consultation towards the review of the legal framework in ensuring the efficient and effectiveness of integrated permitting system;
- Growth and sustainability of the wildlife sector to ensure access, inclusion and improved contribution to the GDP through both export and local consumption of products.
In addition to the deliberations and formal sessions, there will be a cocktail dinner on 13 October, a transformation fundraising dinner through a catalogue auction on 14 October and Mebala Ya Rona Market Day on 15 October. The market day offers a range of family fun activities as well as product offering by local SMMEs, crafters and entertainment.
Conference details:
Date: Thursday, 13 Saturday - 15 October 2016.
Venue: Bakgatla Gate, Pilanesberg, Bojanala Platinum District.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this historic event.
Transport is available for community on request.
RSVP by Friday, 7 October 2016 to: dmti@nwpg.gov.za and nnete@motswakomedia.co.za.
For more information please visit Mebala Ya Rona website: www.mebalayarona.org.za.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
