The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is asking the public to comment on two pieces of draft legislation, being:

1. Draft White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity, and
2. Draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa.

The Department has announced an extension of comment period until the 26 September 2022, on the 

See the official government gazetted notice to extend commentary.

1. DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SOUTH AFRICA'S BIODIVERSITY 

The South African government has set out a much needed, progressive vision and policy for conservation on the ethic of Ubuntu and the recognition that humanity can only flourish in the long-term by conserving the natural systems that support all life, and finding ways to coexist in harmony with Nature.

The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute believe that in the past the effectiveness of conservation and environmental protection has been undermined by the anthropocentric and colonial misperception and hierarchical logic that humanity is in competition with Nature and that a balance must be struck between what is best for Nature on the one hand and what is best for humanity on the the other.  In fact, because humans are part of Nature, and human wellbeing is entirely dependent on the function of ecosystems, including wild species, protecting Nature is in the bet interests of humanity. 

Conservation policies and decision must therefore be guided primarily by ecological and welfare considerations rather than economic considerations. Continuing to make conservation decisions on the basis of economic considerations will inevitably drive more ecological destruction and biodiversity loss. Human well being, and South Africa's long term economic interests, are best served by conserving wild species and ecosystems, not by "mining" them.

There are 7000 hunters calling for the withdrawal of this progressive piece of legislation. Let us ensure that we outnumber them by filling out this form in support of the White Paper, which we will submit to the Department on your behalf.

HERE IS A COPY OF THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE WILDLAW INSTITUTE'S SUBMISSION:

The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute jointly submitted comments in response to the invitation from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity.

2. DRAFT SOUTH AFRICAN GAME MEAT STRATEGY

The Draft strategy aims to formalise the game meat sector and open doors for informal game meat traders and previously disadvantaged communities, which according to the Department will create an organised game meat industry, based on achieving the economies of scale that are necessary for commercial ventures based primarily on game meat production, harvesting and marketing.  

The EMS Foundation believes that Draft Game Meat Strategy is in direct conflict with the government's Draft White paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity.  

The EMS Foundation is cognisant of the entanglement of oppression and we are committed to the promotion of inclusive justice, showing compassion across species and working to build a better future for all through campaigns, research, analysis, advocacy and holding government to account. 

The EMS Foundation also has a special interest in biodiversity.  We support the five interrelated principles of social justice, namely: equity, access, diversity, participation and rights. 

The Draft Game Meat Strategy advocates for the industrial-scale breeding, farming and slaughter of wild animals.  Increasing South Africa's role in the global game meat production as proposed by the Draft Game Meat Strategy, will increase the risks associated with the transmission of zoonotic diseases. 

The Draft document is fundamentally flawed and has the potential to kill millions of wild animals, which is harmful both to the environment and could negatively affect human rights in South Africa. This Draft should be withdrawn in its entirety. If you would like to see the withdrawal of this policy, fill out this form and we will submit it to the Department on your behalf.

HERE IS A COPY OF THE EMS FOUNDATION SUBMISSION:

The EMS Foundation is a South African social justice NGO.  Our key purpose is to alleviate and end suffering, raise public awareness, empower, provide dignity and promote the interests of vulnerable groups including wild animals.

We invite the public to sign this petition in support of our submissions to the South African government.