BACKGROUND

THEME

Over 500 species are listed as alien and/or invasive species by the National Alien and Invasive Species Regulations and Lists of 2020. These species have been intentionally or unintentionally introduced into South Africa from around the world. There is a wide range of preventative measures including compliance and enforcement initiatives which are underpinned by national and international policies and strategies. These prevention interventions are coupled with awareness raising of the threats these species pose, encouragement of voluntary compliance and active participation in the prevention of invasive species coming into South Africa and combatting of established invasive species.

Capacity development and awareness campaigns are crucial in communicating to stakeholders and increasing their understanding of the inherent risk that invasive species pose to our native wildlife, environment, economy and society.

National Invasive Species Week (NISW) is a national event to raise awareness about invasive species, their threat, and what can be done to prevent their spread. From the 7th to the 11th of October 2024, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will host the 2024 NISW. 

The NISW signifies the ongoing campaign to strengthen compliance and enforcement interventions for effectively managing invasive species in South Africa. This work brings together different departments and stakeholders to raise awareness of invasive species, their impacts, and the simple things that everyone can do to help prevent their spread.

The theme for this year is, “Save our water source areas from invasive species”. South Africa is ranked amongst the most water-scarce countries in the world. We must effectively manage our water utilisation and protect our water source areas. Most of our freshwater comes from approximately 8% of land in the higher parts of the catchment areas, which receives the highest annual rainfall. South Africa has just over 20 strategic water source areas that support the water needs of the population and our national sustainable economic interest. Despite their importance, our water source areas are faced with multiple threats, including invasive plant species, land degradation, plantations, agricultural activities, mining, wildfires, climate change and other detrimental land use impacts.

The resilience of these areas remains a key factor to their existence. These areas are the backbone of our water supply as they sustain our water resources such as rivers, streams, wetlands, and dams. Water supports sustainable development through agriculture, industry and household consumption. A country in a developmental state such as South Africa needs to assure its water supply is sustainable through efforts that build water security. This can be achieved by ensuring that our water source areas are maintained, protected and rehabilitated. This will keep our rivers, dams, streams wetlands and lagoons flowing to sustain the livelihood of various communities. Therefore, the year 2024 theme intends to create awareness and promote good conservation practices that will promote the

protection and support resilience and sustainability of our strategic water source areas. During the NISW, the Environmental Management Inspectorate will be undertaking joint compliance and enforcement operations in strategic water source areas. One such operation is focused on the municipality of Stellenbosch. The aim of the operation is to increase public awareness and build capacity in combatting the spread of invasive species. The operation will focus on inspecting nurseries that sell invasive species to ensure compliance with the Alien and invasive species Regulations.

The Inspectorate invites everyone to join in the initiative and report the unlawful trade in alien and invasive species to the Environmental Crimes Hotline at 0800 205 005 or to Envirocrime@dffe.gov.za.