With climate-driven events such as droughts and floods disrupting agricultural production across the continent, and leading to increasing food insecurity, government has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to act now against climate change.
“To counter this, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve irrigation systems, invest in agricultural research and technology, and develop resilient crop varieties,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said on Wednesday in Durban.
He pointed out that Africa’s reliance on natural resources, rain-fed agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) Regional Conference, which is taking place under the theme: “SADC Sustainable Synergies”.
Singh said integrated environmental management and social tools provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, one that balances economic growth, environmental conservation and social equity.
“This integrated approach is vital for addressing the many environmental challenges our continent faces, while simultaneously promoting inclusive growth and resilience. By embracing this method, we ensure that development is not only sustainable but also equitable, benefiting both present and future generations.
“The time to act is now. The environmental challenges we face do not respect borders or timelines, and every day we delay, the cost to our region and our people increases.
“As we transition our key economic sectors towards low carbon, climate resilient and a just society, it is important that our strategic, integrated and environmental impact assessments pay attention to the balance in social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development path and ultimately the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the Deputy Minister said.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising a sustainable just transition path that pays attention to addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
South Africa’s just transition path
He said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) programme has emerged as a crucial response to the climate crisis, setting an ambitious course for the nation to shift away from coal, while building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
“The JET programme has already made strides in diversifying our energy mix by investing in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
“We have closed some coal plants and retrained workers, ensuring that the transition is just and inclusive. This transformation is more than just an energy strategy; it is a fundamental reimagining of our future, one that presents profound opportunities for collaboration with SADC countries.
“By working together on cross-border energy projects, technology sharing, and capacity building, we can build a united front that not only mitigates climate change but also spurs economic growth and energy security across the region,” the Deputy Minister said.
He touched on the significance of regional cooperation, which is essential in the quest to balance environmental sustainability with economic development.
“This year marks six years since the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment appointed EAPASA as the sole registration authority under Section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
“It is truly remarkable to witness how, in just six years, this young organization has successfully convened SADC members for the third time in such a short period. This achievement speaks to the tremendous commitment to our region and the greater cause of environmental stewardship.
“As we implement our individual laws and regulations, we must remain mindful that our true success will be measured by how well we collaborate. I urge you to envision the SADC region as a unified entity, one where our systems are integrated and harmonised to enable development that benefits not only our generation but those to come,” the Deputy Minister said.
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