Abu dhabi: The awarding of the World Future Policy Award 2025 is a testament to South Africa’s role as a global leader and pioneer in environmental management, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George said. This marks a significant achievement for the country as it has been recognized for its National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004 (NEM:BA) as one of the world’s eight best policies in the category of Living in Harmony with Nature and Future Generations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the World Future Policy Award, conferred by the World Future Council, celebrates laws that promote ecological sustainability. South Africa’s NEM:BA, adopted in 2004, stands as a specific environmental management act under the broader National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Act 107 of 1998. It is recognized as one of the most ambitious and progressive biodiversity frameworks globally.
Grounded in the constitutional right to a healthy environment, the Act ensures intergenerational equity through a science-based governance system. It introduces groundbreaking measures for threatened and invasive species, conservation of ecosystems, sustainable use of biological resources, benefit-sharing, and inclusive public participation processes. These measures safeguard biodiversity for present and future generations.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment highlighted that this year’s eight award-winning policies set new global benchmarks by demonstrating how legal systems can be transformed into future-just frameworks. This contributes to the well-being of all living beings on earth and future generations. Among the eight winning policies, six were awarded in the main category, one was honored with the ‘Vision Award’, and one received the ‘Global Impact Award’.
An independent jury of international experts selected the winning policies from an initial 41 nominations submitted from 21 countries. These innovative frameworks address today’s urgent environmental challenges while ensuring the wellbeing of future generations.
The winners were celebrated on 11 October 2025 during a high-level awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi.