National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)Chapter 1 : Interpretation, Objectives and Application of Act2. Objectives of Act |
The objectives of this Act are—
| (a) | within the framework of the National Environmental Management Act, to provide for— |
| (i) | the management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic and of the components of such biological diversity; |
| (iA) | the need to protect the ecosystem as a whole, including species which are not targeted for exploitation; |
[Paragraph (a)(iA) inserted by section 2 of Act No. 14 of 2013]
| (ii) | the use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner; and |
| (iii) | the fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from bioprospecting involving indigenous biological resources; |
| (b) | to give effect to ratified international agreements relating to biodiversity which are binding on the Republic; |
| (c) | to provide for co-operative governance in biodiversity management and conservation; and |
| (d) | to provide for a South African National Biodiversity Institute to assist in achieving the objectives of this Act. |