Nearly one-third of South Africa’s terrestrial ecosystems are now classified as threatened, prompting a high-level call for the private sector to intervene. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, warns that the nation’s ecological infrastructure, the very foundation of the economy, is under unprecedented pressure.

Speaking at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg on Thursday, Singh highlighted a ‘concerning picture’ painted by the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA). Habitat loss driven by mining, agriculture, and urban expansion, coupled with climate change and invasive species, is rapidly degrading the landscape.

A growing threat to ecosystems

The crisis is most acute in South Africa’s freshwater systems, including rivers, wetlands, and estuaries, which remain among the most vulnerable areas in the country. Singh noted that pressures are intensifying as infrastructure development and overexploitation drive species decline.

According to the deputy minister, through concerted, collaborative efforts, South Africa can slow this loss. However, this demands smart spatial prioritisation to ensure every rand invested in restoration delivers maximum impact, especially in degraded coastal zones and wetlands.

Securing South Africa’s water future

The importance of these habitats cannot be overstated. “Our water source areas, mountain catchments, wetlands and rivers, cover only 10% of our land, yet supply more than 50% of the country’s water,” Singh revealed.

These vital catchments face severe threats from pollution and altered flows, endangering national water security and marine fisheries alike. While some progress has been made through protected areas and stewardship programmes, Singh stressed that far more urgent action is required to protect this vital ecological infrastructure for environmental well-being.

The power of public-private partnerships

The government maintains that meaningful progress depends on policy reform, targeted finance, and strong partnerships. Singh emphasised that the private sector is a ‘vital’ partner in this mission.

By utilising Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks (structured guidelines used to measure and report sustainability data) businesses can turn conservation into a driver for job creation. Public-private partnerships enable the private sector to drive investment and advance shared goals through innovation and corporate responsibility.

Call to action: Protecting natural assets

“Ultimately, our success will be measured by strengthened livelihoods, restored ecosystems, and robust environmental governance built on trust,” Singh stated.

He concluded with a direct challenge to the business community to partner with the state in the conservation and infrastructure enhancement of South Africa’s national botanical and zoological gardens. Such support will expand these spaces, advance critical research, and contribute directly to achieving national biodiversity targets.

This article was first published on SAnews.gov.za

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