“As Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Honourable Narend Singh rightly stated, biodiversity is not a luxury, it is the very foundation of our economies, our health, and our survival. At FOUR PAWS, we welcome the government’s renewed commitment to biodiversity through the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)—a pivotal opportunity for South Africa to lead by example on the continent. However, if we are to truly halt biodiversity loss and protect our natural heritage, we must address one of the most urgent and overlooked drivers of ecological decline: industrial animal agriculture. Our current food system is deeply entangled in the climate crisis, land degradation, and water scarcity. Producing just one kilogram of beef can consume over 15,400 litres of water, and livestock farming remains a top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture not only puts immense pressure on our ecosystems but also risks public health through the overuse of antibiotics and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. In the spirit of the One Health approach, we call for bold, systemic changes in how we produce and consume meat. South Africa’s revised NBSAP must include ambitious targets to reduce the environmental cost of animal agriculture, support plant-based innovation, and embed sustainability into food policies. A just and kinder food system is not only possible, but also essential.” – Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS in South Africa.

/ENDS