Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Draft National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, 2026, published for public comment
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr David Maynier, hereby notifies members of the public of the publication of the draft National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, 2026, for public comment, in terms of sections 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). The draft Strategy and Action Plan was published in Government Gazette No. 55299, Notice No. 7877, dated 04 September 2026.
The draft National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, 2026 (draft Strategy and Action Plan) proposes a shared national vision that “leopards thrive in living landscapes, support cultural traditions and local livelihoods through inclusive, community-driven conservation.” It seeks to offer direction that aligns with the aspirational vision of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, 2023, and the values and hopes of South Africans concerning leopards and how leopards can benefit both society and the environment.
The draft Strategy and Action Plan envisions acknowledging leopards as a vital component of the nation’s natural heritage, valued across cultures for their ecological, cultural and symbolic significance. By protecting leopard habitats and biodiversity, the Strategy and Action Plan could catalyse sustainable development and transformation within South Africa. The draft Strategy and Action Plan is also supported by goals and strategic activities based on the species’ (a) ecological role, (b) social and cultural values, and (c) livelihoods and impacts of leopards.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the draft Strategy and Action Plan within 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication of the Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the later date, to the following addresses:
By post to:
The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Ms Asnath Hlungwani / Ms Mashudu Mahada
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at:
Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
By email:
ConservationManagement@dffe.gov.za
Electronic copies of the Government Notice can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices
Any enquiries in connection with this Government Notice can be directed to Ms Asnath Hlungwani / Ms Mashudu Mahada on
Cell: 076 819 3783
Cell: 060 602 6560
Email: MMahada@dffe.gov.za / Ahlungwani@dffe.gov.za.
Comments received after the closing date may be disregarded.
For media enquiries, please contact: Mr Zolile Nqayi
Tel: (021) 493 7144
Cell: 082 898 6483
Email: znqayi@dffe.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
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