“South Africa has unveiled a new Draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that aims to expand the “biodiversity economy” through ecotourism, wildlife trade, and bioprospecting, while critics warn it risks sidelining ecological recovery. With nearly half of ecosystem types already threatened, experts argue the strategy must focus on restoration and resilience rather than revenue.”
South Africa, one of the world’s most biologically diverse nations, has entered a critical moment in its environmental policy. On 15 September 2026, the government released its Draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), a framework intended to guide conservation efforts until 2035. While the draft emphasizes the economic potential of biodiversity, many scientists, conservationists, and civil society groups are raising concerns that ecological recovery is being overshadowed by revenue-driven goals.
South Africa’s Biodiversity Wealth
The country is home to more than 20,000 indigenous plant species across nine terrestrial biomes, 458 terrestrial ecosystem types, 150 marine ecosystems, and hundreds of freshwater wetlands and rivers. With high levels of endemism, much of this biodiversity is irreplaceable. Yet the National Biodiversity Assessment paints a troubling picture: nearly 50% of ecosystem types are threatened, 16% of plants are endangered, and 10% of animals face extinction.
What the Draft Strategy Proposes
The draft strategy introduces the concept of a “biodiversity economy”, aiming to:
- Expand value chains in wildlife trade, ecotourism, fishing, and bioprospecting.
- Increase biodiversity’s contribution to GDP by 10% by 2035.
- Integrate biodiversity into government and societal decision-making.
- Promote community involvement in conservation-linked livelihoods.
While these goals acknowledge the importance of sustainable use, critics argue that the emphasis on measurable economic outcomes risks sidelining ecological recovery.
The Debate: Ecology vs. Economy
- Supporters of the biodiversity economy argue that conservation cannot succeed without community buy-in and economic incentives. Ecotourism, for example, has proven to generate jobs and revenue while protecting wildlife.
- Critics warn that prioritizing GDP growth could lead to overexploitation of fragile ecosystems. They stress that biodiversity must be valued for its ecological integrity, not just its commercial potential.
Global Context
South Africa’s debate mirrors global tensions between conservation and development. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) encourages nations to integrate biodiversity into economic planning, but warns against commodification that undermines ecological resilience.
Risks and Challenges
- Climate Change: Scientists warn of a record-breaking El Niño event that could bring unprecedented heatwaves and droughts, further stressing ecosystems.
- Severe Weather: The South African Weather Service has issued yellow-level warnings for flooding, thunderstorms, and damaging winds across multiple provinces today.
- Invasive Species: The draft strategy acknowledges invasive species as a major threat but lacks clear funding commitments for eradication.
- Community Trust: Without tangible ecological recovery, communities may lose faith in conservation programs.
Expert Opinions
Professor François Engelbrecht of Wits University warns that biodiversity strategies must be framed within the reality of a warming climate. “If economic utilization becomes more measurable and better funded than ecological recovery, South Africa risks losing its irreplaceable natural heritage,” he cautions.
Path Forward
For the strategy to succeed, experts recommend:
- Balancing economic and ecological goals by ensuring restoration projects receive equal funding.
- Strengthening monitoring systems to track ecosystem health, not just GDP contributions.
- Enhancing climate resilience through water security, habitat restoration, and fire management.
- Community empowerment with transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Conclusion
South Africa’s biodiversity strategy is a pivotal document that will shape conservation for the next decade. The challenge lies in ensuring that economic ambitions do not eclipse ecological recovery. With climate change intensifying and ecosystems under severe pressure, the country must choose whether to prioritize short-term revenue or long-term resilience.
