The fourth National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) was launched by Bernice Swarts, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DAFF).
The last assessment was done 20 years ago.
It tracks the state and trends of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity across South Africa’s terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine, and marine realms – as well as the subantarctic Prince Edward Islands and the cross-realm coastal zone.
Over 490 experts from more than 110 institutions, were part of the project.
South Africa is one of 17 megadiverse countries, with exceptional species richness, high levels of endemism, and three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots.
The country also ranks third globally in marine species endemism.
Speaking at the launch, Swarts, said “biodiversity underpins both our economy and society. It provides essential services and products that sustain human wellbeing and drive inclusive growth and job creation. NBA 2025 equips us with evidence-based insights to guide policy, strengthen governance, and mobilise collective action across government, business, and civil society.”
The NBA has highlighted challenges to biodiversity conservation as climate change, unsustainable land and sea use, pollution, invasive alien species, reduced freshwater flows and illegal harvesting continue to affect South Africa’s ecosystems and species, and therefore the services they provide.
She also called on all sectors to use the NBA 2025 as a guide for decision making and investment, particularly in restoring degraded ecosystems, tackling pollution, strengthening ecological infrastructure and safeguarding strategic water source areas.
Picture: SANBI