By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Deputy minister Narend Singh warned business leaders in Roodepoort on Thursday that damage to nature threatens the economy and food.
- A third of South Africa’s land is under threat from pollution, mining, farming and climate change across the whole country.
The government is asking business leaders to help protect South Africa’s natural environment.
This comes as officials warn that damage to nature is becoming a serious risk to the country’s economy.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh spoke to business leaders at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort on Thursday.
Singh said the natural environment is the base of the economy and must be protected so the country can keep growing.
He told the group that environmental damage and climate change are already hurting businesses.
He said this damage harms supply chains and threatens the country’s food supply.
South Africa has some of the richest natural life in the world, but its land and water are under growing pressure.
A national report shows that almost a third of the country’s land is under threat.
This is caused by pollution, mining, farming and climate change.
Fresh water sources like rivers and wetlands are taking the hardest knock.
Singh pointed out that important water areas make up only 10% of the country’s land, but they provide more than half of its water.
He said these areas need urgent protection so people can keep getting water.
He asked for stronger partnerships between the government and private companies.
He said working together will help find money, create jobs and support work to save nature.
Singh asked companies to spend money on nature projects, like national botanical gardens.
This money will help with research, tourism and teaching people about the environment.
He said everyone needs to work together to protect nature while growing the economy and making lives better for people.
Pictured above: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Image source: DFFE
