Page 11 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

The Biodiversity
Management Department
launched an isiZulu edition
of the State of Biodiversity
Report for the first time
Winile Mchunu
Email: Winile.Mchunu@durban.gov.za
For the past fifteen years, the Biodiversity Management Department (BMD) has been producing the State of Biodiversity (SoB) report in English, providing crucial insights into environmental protection efforts, the challenges faced, and ways for individuals to contribute to the protection of eThekwini’s natural environment. This comprehensive report has been a key resource in informing the public about ongoing initiatives aimed at managing the natural environment and the state of local biodiversity.
Responding to a recommendation from the Economic Development & Planning Committee (ECOD), the BMD has expanded its efforts to produce an isiZulu edition of the report. This decision aligns with the goal of reaching a broader audience, particularly as many eThekwini’s residents are isiZulu speakers. By making the report available in isiZulu, BMD aims to enhance the accessibility and impact of its information, ensuring that more residents can engage with and benefit from the environmental information and recommendations provided.
The inauguration of isiZulu state of biodiversity report, covering the financial year 2022/2023, was officially launched on the 13th of June 2024. The launch event took place at the Durban Natural Science Museum and was well-attended by various stakeholders and members of the public. This milestone marks a significant step towards inclusivity in environmental management communication.
The isiZulu version of the State of Biodiversity report is now accessible on municipal platforms, allowing residents to easily access and understand important information about the natural environment of eThekwini Municipality. This initiative reflects the Biodiversity Management Department’s commitment to making vital environmental information available to all communities within eThekwini Municipality.
To view the isiZulu state of biodiversity report, please visit the municipal platforms: https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/government/ documents?d=Environmental%20Planning%20%20 Climate%20Protection%20%20Publications/State%20 of%20Biodiversity%20Reporting
Speaking at the launch, Mr Sbu Ndebele, the Acting Head: DPEM, stated that ‘Tremendous effort had been directed towards the product; however, it recognised that more work still needs to be done to ensure scientific/ environmental/biodiversity information is documented and presented to the entire population of the municipality in a manner that is understood’. Furthermore, Mr Ndebele stated that‘It is hoped that this report and initiatives by the municipality would spark the acceleration of protection and management of biodiversity, and sustainable conservation and use of natural resources.’
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