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On 31 May Thabo Mbeki, the President of South Africa, signed the country’s new Biodiversity Act, providing political clout to the protection of the country’s biodiversity. The Act regulates the sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity products with local communities, thus protecting traditional knowledge and regulating bio-prospecting. It further requires full environmental impact assessment prior to the introduction of genetically modified organisms, and includes provisions dealing with alien invasive species. For example, under the Act landowners and the government are obliged to clear alien invasive vegetation from their properties. Concurrently with signing the act, the new South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established, with a comprehensive mandate to coordinate bio-regional efforts and promote scientific research and biodiversity economy. In addition, under the new Biodiversity Act “bio-regions” will be given legal recognition, streamlining environmental impact assessments in the particular region. Environmental Affairs and Tourism Director General Crispian Olver welcomed the Act commenting that, “Up to now, we have had no specific legislation dealing with biodiversity, this [the new act] is probably the most exciting biodiversity move we have made in years”.
“Law now protects SA’s biodiversity,” CAPE ARGUS, 3 June 2004.
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