The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has encouraged members of public, including interested and affected stakeholders to take advantage of the extension on comments of the Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity and the Draft Game Meat Strategy.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department said the extension provides the public with an opportunity to make valuable contributions and submissions on both on documents published in July.
The Draft White Paper was published in the Government Gazette 46687 (Notice No 2252) on 8 July 2022. The date for submissions has been extended from 10 September 2022 to 26 September 2022 at the request of members of the public.
Similarly, the draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa was published in the Government Gazette 47024 (Notice No.2293) on 18 July 2022. The closing date for comments has also been extended until 26 September 2022.
According to the department, the draft White Paper emphasises the need for a holistic approach to sustainable use, which ensures responsible and humane use of South Africa’s biodiversity, and the ending of poor and harmful practices.
“Equally importantly, the White Paper also ensures transformation, with access and beneficiation by communities adjacent to protected areas, as well as for previously disadvantaged individuals.
“An important companion strategy that has been released together with the White Paper on sustainable use is the Game Meat Strategy. The strategy acknowledges the significant contribution made by current wildlife businesses and the various associations that drive critical elements of the value chain,” the department.
The department believes that if properly implemented, the Game Meat strategy will allow for compatible land use on the outskirts of the national parks and ensure a sustainable off take for surrounding communities.
Since July, the department has undertaken extensive public consultation processes including face-to-face meetings with stakeholders to solicit their comments.
Previously, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy emphasized the importance of the public participation process to gain the inputs from a broad range of interested and affected stakeholders.
The Minister is pleased with the extensive participation to date, and the large number of submissions that have already been received.
Submissions on the Draft White Paper can be made via post to the following address:
The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
Submissions can also be delivered at the reception of Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083.
Alternatively, the submissions can be emailed to whitepaper@dffe.gov.za.
Any inquiries in connection with the draft White Paper can be directed to Mr Khuthadzo Mahamba at 064 880 8728 or whitepaper@dffe.gov.za.
Submissions on the Draft Game Meat Strategy can be made via post to the following address:
Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Mr Khorommbi Matibe
Private Bag X447
Pretoria, 0001
They can also be delivered at the reception of Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083.
Alternatively, emails can be sent to emasemola@dffe.gov.za or mmathole@dffe.gov.za.
Any inquiries in connection with the Draft Game Meat Strategy 2022 can be directed to Ms Tselenga Mabunda on 063 750 3691 or by emailing tmabunda@dffe.gov.za.
To access the government gazettes, click on:
- https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/wha_g46687gon2252.pdf
- https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/draftgamemeatstrategy_g47024gon2293.pdf
To access the notice of extension, click on:
Source: South African Government News Agency