Cabinet approves SADC Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development

27 September 2017

Translation: French

Translation: Portuguese

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development

At the meeting held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 September 2017, Cabinet approved ratification of the SADC Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development, by Parliament.

The Acting Director-General (ADG) of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Ms Phumla Williams, said: “South Africa, as Chair of the SADC from August 2017 to August 2018, is committed to strengthening regional efforts to conserve transboundary natural resources and promote sustainable development within the SADC.”

The protocol covers a wide range of environmental issues which include climate change, waste and pollution, chemicals management, biodiversity and natural heritage, sustainable land management, marine and inland water resources as well as cross-cutting issues such as gender, science and technology, and trade and investment.

Ms Williams said: “The overall objective of the protocol is to promote sustainable use and transboundary management of the environment, which is of interest to SADC member states.”

Ratification of this protocol and its subsequent implementation will provide a legal basis for approved environmental management measures to be taken; agreement of environmentally detrimental activities; cooperation on environmental crime; extradition; penalties as well as developing and implementing coordinated environmental disaster management responses.

This is aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan, which prioritises the deepening of integration of the SADC region as well as ensuring environmental sustainability and an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.

Enquiries:
Ms Phumla Williams – ADG: GCIS
Cell: 083 501 0139