African Wildlife & Environment Issue 85

WESSA NEWS

FROM OUR CEO

We showcased our achievements at the 41st Annual Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa’s (EEASA) conference that we successfully hosted, celebrating 20 years of implementing the international Eco-Schools Programme. A significant development in our engagements with stakeholders has been WESSA's involvement in the Environmental NGO Collaboration. WESSA's leadership role in this collaboration emphasizes our commitment to national policy development and strategic engagements with government on the implementation of the biodiversity protection commitments made at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 in Montreal in November 2023. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during COP15 in 2022. The implementation of the Framework will be guided and supported through a comprehensive package of decisions also adopted at COP 15. There are four goals to be achieved by 2050 and 23 action-driven targets set for 2030. One of the 23 targets,Target 3, is informally called the 30x30 Target. This Target aims to ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and of marine and coastal areas, are effectively conserved and managed, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. The Target should be achieved through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean. Any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, should be fully consistent with conservation outcomes. Prior to COP15 and in preparation for the event, the Environmental NGO Collaboration was formed in August 2022. This is a growing group of environmental NGOs, currently having

Helena Atkinson

As we say farewell to 2023 and welcome to 2024, I reflect with pride and excitement on a year filled with remarkable achievements, strategic engagements, and significant milestones. Our commitment to environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction has been unwavering. In this overview, we delve into the core of our successes, challenges, and the pivotal role that WESSA Membership plays in shaping WESSA’s future.

Nearing a century of environmental leadership WESSA's mission to educate, advocate, and act for environmental and social justice in South Africa remains the guiding force behind our endeavours. With a vision to lead citizen action, we are committed to safeguarding South

Africa's rich biodiversity through conservation, education, and advocacy. Our journey involves fostering partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and empowering active citizens to contribute to positive change. Our efforts have been directed towards implementing our strategy, making operational adjustments, and developing new partnerships. Acknowledging the importance of financial stability, WESSA has worked diligently to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability. Despite the challenges posed by our current financial circumstances, WESSA has remained resolute in pursuing its strategy.

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