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President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, says opportunities in the biodiversity economy, as well as wildlife and ecotourism products, have the potential to unlock the country’s rural economy and lift those living in rural areas out of poverty.
“If properly developed, the biodiversity economy can assist in accelerating transformation by providing not only employment, but also business opportunities, for black South Africans. It is also an opportunity for innovation,” added Ramaphosa, speaking at a Biodiversity Economy Conference that took place in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday.
Also in attendance was Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and Small Business Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu.
The conference was a collaborative effort amongst the departments to harness opportunities presented by biodiversity.
The scope of innovation products in the biodiversity economy, include wildlife and ecotourism products, bio-prospecting, and bio-trade products such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical.
Drawing on traditional knowledge about the use of indigenous plants, Ramaphosa said the country’s scientists and researchers could develop products that could be manufactured in rural areas and sold across the world.
Under the theme, ‘Innovating and Accelerating’ – with the people, for the people’, stakeholders brainstormed ideas that promote sustainable utilisation and conservation of the country’s biological resources.
Through the development of the biodiversity economy, it is anticipated that 162 000 jobs can be created and R47 billion (€283m) generated by 2030.
“We aim to increase business and land ownership by previously disadvantaged individuals, boosting participation by communities, expanding cultivation of key indigenous plants by 500 hectares a year, and having 100 Blue Flag beaches designated across South Africa by 2030,” said President Ramaphosa.
The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which is currently being considered by Cabinet, provides the guiding framework through which government, the private sector and development partners will co-ordinate for the inclusive growth of the sector.
President Ramaphosa said the strategy set out the measures required to develop the wildlife, bio-trade and eco-tourism sectors, some of which were already being implemented through the Operation Phakisa framework.
Over the next five years, government plans to spend about R1.18 billion (€71m) to supply the underlying infrastructure required to grow the biodiversity economy and ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the South African economy.
According to Ramaphosa, much of the government’s support is centred on market development locally, regionally, and internationally.
“We cannot conserve South Africa’s natural resources without the involvement of the communities that benefit from these resources every day. Sustainable biodiversity conservation is inextricably linked with socio-economic development and tourism,” said Ramaphosa, whilst urging the youth to get involved in these initiatives to ensure sustainable growth of the economy.
“Equally important, is the involvement of young people. Without the commitment of our youth to a sustainable economy and protection of the environment through the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage, our economy cannot grow,” concluded Ramaphosa.
Source: tourismupdate.co.za
