SA nature conservation is underfunded: Molewa

A 2009/10 study into management effectiveness of protected areas, she added, found that minimum conservation costs are underfunded by about 30%.

This, says Molewa, was mainly due to provincial environment departments "having to compete with other critical functions such as health, education and social welfare". She encouraged provinces to discuss the issue with their treasuries and motivate for additional funding. In addition, provinces should "explore innovative mechanisms of generating their own revenue in order to minimise their reliance on state funding".

The Water and Environmental Affairs department, said Molewa, is continuously engaging National Treasury for additional funds, particularly for use in acquiring land and infrastructure development and maintenance. "[The] development of a business case for biodiversity conservation is underway, co-ordinated by [the department] and the SA National Biodiversity Institute," Minister Molewa said.

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