Minister Barbara Creecy invites comments on regulations on threatened or protected terrestrial and freshwater species; and draft list of terrestrial and freshwater species that are threatened or protected, prohibited and exempted restricted activities
Minister Barbara Creecy invites comments on regulations on ... South African Government
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Report: Draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species
Introduction
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has republished the draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species; and the draft list of Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species that are Threatened or Protected, Restricted Activities that are Prohibited, and Proposed Restricted Activities that are Exempt, for public comment.
Publication Details
The Minister has republished, for public comment, the following notices in Government Gazette:
- Government Notice No. 49469: draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species; Link to Document
- Government Notice No. 49470: draft list Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species that are Threatened or Protected, Restricted Activities that are Prohibited, and Proposed Restricted Activities that are Exempt. Link to Document
Repeal of TOPS Regulations 2007
The Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, 2007 are still in effect. The draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater promulgated, will repeal and replace the TOPS Regulations 2007.
Background
On 03 February 2023, the Minister published the Regulations Pertaining to Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater, and the associated species list for implementation, in the Government Gazette, No. 47984. These regulations and species list were published in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA). On 31 March 2023, the Minister published Government Notice No. 3238 in Government Gazette, No. 48349 to withdraw the above-mentioned regulations and species list.
For more information on the publication of the Regulations Pertaining to Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species, and the list of terrestrial species and freshwater species that are threatened or protected, restricted activities that are prohibited, and restricted activities that are exempt, as well as the withdrawal thereof, copies of the relevant media statements of 14 February 2023 and 05 April 2023 respectively, can be obtained from the Department’s website.
Public Comment
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species, and the draft list of Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species that are Threatened or Protected, Restricted Activities that are Prohibited, and Proposed Restricted Activities that are Exempt, by no later than 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication of notices in the Government Gazette, or the notice in the newspaper, which date is the later date.
Comments can be submitted through:
- Post: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, PRETORIA, 0001
- Hand delivery: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
- Email: topsconsultation@dffe.gov.za
Contact Information
Enquiries in connection with this notice can be directed to the following officials:
- In respect of the draft Regulations Pertaining to Listed Threatened or Protected Terrestrial Species and Freshwater Species: Mr Khuthadzo Mahamba at kmahamba@dffe.gov.za or 012 399 8845 or 064 880 8728
- In respect of the draft list of threatened or protected terrestrial species and freshwater species, proposed restricted activities that are prohibited, and proposed restricted activities that are exempt: Ms Tebogo Mashua at tmashua@dffe.gov.za or 066 282 5141
Comments received after the closing date may be disregarded.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries contact, Peter Mbelengwa on 082 611 8197
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses the draft regulations and list of threatened or protected freshwater species, which aligns with SDG 14’s focus on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The article also mentions the draft regulations and list of threatened or protected terrestrial species, which relates to SDG 15’s objective of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, progress towards SDG 14.5 can be measured by monitoring the percentage of coastal and marine areas that are conserved. Progress towards SDG 15.5 can be measured by assessing the reduction in degradation of natural habitats, the halt in loss of biodiversity, and the protection of threatened species.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information. | Percentage of coastal and marine areas conserved. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Reduction in degradation of natural habitats, halt in loss of biodiversity, protection of threatened species. |
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Source: gov.za
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