Revised Biodiversity Management Plan for Black and White Rhino Gazetted
Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment has gazetted a revised decadal biodiversity management plan for the white and black rhino, following the draft plan released for public comment in June 2024.
In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, No. 10 of 2004, the revised plan consolidates previous policy and planning work on rhino management into a single integrated tool. The plan is underpinned by a strategic approach towards the conservation and sustainable use of rhinoceros populations in South Africa.
The revised management plan aligns with the overarching objectives of the government’s September 2023 policy position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros. These objectives include:
- Consolidating previous policy and planning work into a single, decadal regulatory instrument;
- Enhancing the strategic management of both black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhino populations;
- Securing the long-term survival of the species through integrated conservation measures; and
- Promoting sustainable use and community involvement in rhino conservation efforts.
The gazetted plan replaces fragmented policy instruments and provides a ten-year framework for state and private rhino owners to manage populations, security, and habitat requirements. It follows the consultative process initiated in mid-2024 to ensure that the management of these species remains consistent with national biodiversity goals.
Click here to download the revised decadal biodiversity management plan.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: No direct individual filing obligations; however, environmental law practitioners must update their regulatory registers to reflect the transition from the draft June 2024 plan to the final gazetted decadal framework.
- For your business: Private game reserves and conservation-focused firms must review their internal management protocols to ensure they align with the consolidated strategic objectives and security requirements outlined in the new plan.
- For your clients: Rhino owners and wildlife breeders must ensure that their operational management plans and permitting applications are compliant with the specific directives and sustainable use standards established in this revised decadal tool.
Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/black-white-rhino-management-revised-decadel-plan-gazetted