National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

Chapter 1 : Interpretation, Objectives and Application of Act

2. Objectives of Act
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The objectives of this Act are—

(a)within the framework of the National Environmental Management Act, to provide for—
(i)the management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic and of the components of such biological diversity;
(iA)the need to protect the ecosystem as a whole, including species which are not targeted for exploitation;

[Paragraph (a)(iA) inserted by section 2 of Act No. 14 of 2013]

(ii)the use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner;
(iiA)the consideration of the well-being of animals in the management, conservation and sustainable use thereof; and
(iii)the fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from bioprospecting involving indigenous biological resources;

[Section 2(a)(iiA) inserted by section 44(b) of the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, 2022, GG46602, dated 24 June 2022:  Commencement by Proclamation 125 of 2023, GG48860, dated 30 June 2023]

(b)to give effect to ratified international agreements relating to biodiversity which are binding on the Republic;
(c)to provide for co-operative governance in biodiversity management and conservation; and
(d)to provide for a South African National Biodiversity Institute to assist in achieving the objectives of this Act.