South Africa won the coveted World Future Policy Award 2025, over the weekend, in Abu Dhabi.
The award was bestowed by the World Future Council, for the country’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), adopted in 2004.
The Council recognised this policy as being among the world’s top eight.
There were 41 nominations, submitted from about 21 countries.
Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said the award is proof of South Africa’s significant role as a global leader and pioneer in environmental management.
“Grounded in the constitutional right to a healthy environment, it secures intergenerational equity through a science-based governance system and safeguards biodiversity for present and future generations. The Act introduced groundbreaking measures for threatened and invasive species, conservation of ecosystems, sustainable use of biological resources, benefit-sharing, and inclusive public participation processes” said George.