From Cape Town to Rio: South Africa’s Leadership drives global action against environmental crime

5 November 2025, Rio de Janeiro

The international community has taken forward the work that began under South Africa’s G20 Presidency with the adoption of the Rio Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment in Brazil this week.

The Rio Declaration builds directly on the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment, led by South Africa and adopted by G20 nations, representing more than 85 percent of the global economy, last month. Together, these declarations have moved the fight against environmental crime from the margins to the centre of global cooperation.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said the Rio outcome was a clear demonstration of how South Africa’s leadership continues to shape the global agenda.

“The Cape Town Declaration was the turning point,” said Dr George. “It was the first time that G20 nations recognised crimes that affect the environment as organised crimes that demand a united response. In Rio, that message became a shared commitment. What started in Cape Town is now driving a global framework for action.”

The Rio Declaration was led by the Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme, with Brazil, South Africa, and other governments committing to stronger collective action against crimes that affect the environment. Minister George said that the outcomes in Rio prove that multilateralism, when rooted in trust and cooperation, can deliver tangible results.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment congratulates the Government of Brazil, the Royal Foundation, and all international partners on the adoption of the Rio Declaration. South Africa remains committed to turning global ambition into lasting action for people and the planet.

To access Minister’s speech, please click on the link below:

Link: https://www.dffe.gov.za/speeches/george_globalcalltoturnwordsintoaction_environmentalcrime

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi 
Mobile: +27 82 513 7154  
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za  

Chelsey Wilken 
Mobile: +27 74 470 5996  
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za