30 - 06 - 25

South Africa Unveils 59 Biodiversity Projects to Boost Green Finance

SAs Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has introduced 59 biodiversity projects designed to attract over $450,000 (approximately R8 million) in green investment. The announcement was made by Minister Dr. Dion George during the department’s budget vote in Parliament.



These projects are part of a broader strategy linked to the newly launched Biodiversity Sector Investment Portal, an online platform aimed at connecting investors with sustainable, bankable biodiversity initiatives. The goal is to drive environmental protection while stimulating economic growth.



Dr. George stated that, in response to budget pressures, the DFFE is adopting strict financial discipline alongside innovative funding models to maximise the impact of available resources. According to him, each division within the department is expected to actively seek alternative revenue streams, minimise wasteful spending, and prioritise securing long-term, sustainable financing.



The department is also advancing draft regulations to enable the commercialisation of carbon credits, opening doors for generating income from environmental assets. This move is expected to support job creation, conservation efforts, and attract more private-sector investment into the green economy.



Among the key financing tools is the Green Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), which continues to support groundbreaking projects in climate action, renewable energy, and waste management.



The investment portal has already facilitated commitments exceeding $450,000 towards the showcased projects, highlighting growing investor confidence in SAs biodiversity economy.



The impact extends beyond funding. Dr. George pointed out that entities like SANParks have generated over 21,000 full-time jobs in the past five years through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), significantly contributing to inclusive development.



Progress has also been made at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where a revised commercialisation model led to 62 contracts being signed. From September 2025, the park will start receiving direct revenue from tourism concessions.



In a significant boost for climate resilience, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is preparing to roll out a $40 million project funded by the Green Climate Fund. This initiative is set to directly benefit more than 350,000 people and indirectly support an estimated 1.5 million through ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.



The DFFEs focus on innovative financing marks a pivotal step toward strengthening SAs biodiversity economy while delivering socio-economic benefits.