Revised Biodiversity Management Plan for African Geranium Gazetted

Posted 02 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment has published a revised Biodiversity Management Plan for the African geranium, updating the regulatory framework for its sustainable harvest and trade.

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, No. 10 of 2004, the Minister has gazetted a revised Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Pelargonium sidoides (African geranium). This revised plan officially repeals the previous BMP that had been in place since April 2023. The revision follows a public consultation process initiated by the release of a draft plan in November 2024.

The African geranium is a high-value species primarily harvested for its tuberous roots, which serve as a critical raw material for both local and international phytomedicine manufacturing, as well as traditional medicine. The revised BMP provides a structured framework to manage the ecological impact of wild harvesting while supporting the bio-prospecting industry.

Key Objectives of the Revised Plan

  • Ensuring the long-term survival of Pelargonium sidoides in the wild by regulating harvesting volumes and methods.
  • Facilitating the sustainable use of the species in the phytomedicine and traditional medicine sectors.
  • Improving traceability and monitoring within the supply chain to prevent illegal trade and over-exploitation.
  • Aligning national conservation efforts with international trade standards for botanical exports.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through professional advisory roles regarding environmental compliance and permit requirements under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, No. 10 of 2004.
  • For your business: Entities involved in the botanical supply chain must review their internal sustainability and procurement policies to ensure they meet the updated standards set out in the 2024 BMP.
  • For your clients: Clients engaged in the harvesting, processing, or export of African geranium must ensure their operations are fully compliant with the revised plan to avoid delays in permit renewals or potential regulatory enforcement actions.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/biodiversity-management-revised-african-geranium-plan-gazetted

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