Attitudes and policies of the directors of South African nature conservation departments toward the protection of biological diversity

This study focuses on the attitudes and policies of the directors of nature conservation departments in relation to decisions affecting the protection of biological diversity (biodiversity) in South Africa. The study was conducted in 1991, and represents a summary of the attitudes and policies of 12 of the directors of the then 17 nature conservation departments in South Africa and the so-called 'homeland states'. South Africa has recently signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNEP 1992). It is suggested that this should lead to the establishment of a collaborative national biodiversity body, and national strategy for the conservation of South Africa's biodiversity. The conservation of biodiversity is an outcome of the successful management of systems, but a national strategy will enhance such default conservation. Administrative changes that counter the problems of divided responsibilities and the duplication of efforts, are called for. Socio-economic considerations are considered pivotal to protection of biodiversity, and must be integrated into all strategies. There is a genuine commitment to the preservation of biodiversity on the part of these directors. The emphasis is at species level, and on large mammals, birds and plants. This needs to be expanded. The identification and monitoring of biodiversity in South Africa needs to be strengthened. Finances clearly constrain their efforts.