Publication of the multi-species biodiversity management plan for vultures in South Africa for implementation in terms of section 43 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004); assignment of responsibilities to the National Vulture Task Force and the repeal of the Biodiversity Management Plan for the bearded vulture

20 March 2024

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, hereby gives notice of the publication of the Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa for implementation in the Government Gazette in terms of section 43(1)(b) and (c) and 43(3)(a) and (b) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). 

The Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa aims to implement comprehensive strategic conservation actions that cover the geographic ranges of all nine vulture species found in South Africa, with a particular focus on the seven resident breeding species. The plan also aims to strengthen concerted, collaborative, and coordinated international efforts to recover these populations to acceptable levels by 2033. 

The BMP is published at an opportune time after the publication of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity. The BMP is aligned with the goals and enablers of the White Paper. As explicitly recognised that the responsibility rests with a range of stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the State, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, communities, private landowners, industry, academia, non-government organisations and civil society, this BMP provides the platform to showcase and uphold what is contained in the White Paper. It is a clear demonstration of how stakeholders involved with vulture conservation are working together to ensure that all South Africans will continue to benefit from the ecosystem services provided by vultures. 

In terms of section 43(2) and 43(3)(c) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), the Minister has assigned the responsibility for implementation of the Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa to the National Vulture Task Force. 

The Government Notice repeals the Bearded Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan that was gazetted in Government Notice No. 350, Government Gazette No. 37620 of 8 May 2014. 

A copy of the Government Notice can be obtained at: www.environment.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices.or www.gpwonline.gov.za 

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