The Department Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will host 40 traditional and community leaders from KwaZulu Natal (KZN) in a Marine and coastal enforcement and compliance workshop from 24-25 August 2021, in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal.

In partnership with KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the DFFE will host traditional leaders for these workshops with the aim of raising awareness of environmental legislation, whilst acknowledging the leadership authority vested in various traditional houses. This initiative demonstrates the importance of community integration and confronting challenges facing compliance and enforcement officials who operate primarily in the oceans and coastal spaces of the KZN Province.

This initiative further demonstrates the importance of community integration and dealt with challenges facing compliance and enforcement officials that operate primarily in the oceans and coastal spaces of the Eastern Cape.

This workshop, which will be the last to be held in the province, further paves the way for setting criteria for the appointment of voluntary coastal officers as provided for by Section 43 of the Integrated Coastal Management Act, by firstly engaging the traditional leaders of these areas.

Source: Government of South Africa