SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY
INSTITUTE
Presentation to the Parliamentary Select Committee:
Water and Environment
September 2011
DR TANYA ABRAHAMSE
SANBI :CEO
CONTENTS
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SANBI Role and Mandate
Vision, Mission and Values
Strategic Goal
Programmes to achieve Goal
Key achievements in 2010-11
Key challenges
SANBI’s ROLE in brief
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A national & international leading biodiversity institution
Leads Biodiversity Research, Knowledge, Information - Threatened species,
ecosystems, GMO impact, bio-adaptation to climate change.
Provides best scientific based evidence & Best practice management models at
biome level for policy advice
Supports conservation & sustainable use of biodiversity for human well-being
and helps unlock potential value & benefits of SA’s biodiversity for development
Harnesses scientific capacity in a managed network ensuring co-operation,
alignment & cost saving, to provide for sound government biodiversity policy.
Leads human capacity development in biodiversity sector – particularly for under
represented groups
Manages the National Botanical Gardens system (9 to 11 – Eastern Cape this year,
then Limpopo) - world re-known, ‘windows’ into our unique biodiversity for
leisure, education, recreation, religion, culture and tourism, gives shelter to
threatened & endangered plant species, and provides a range of decent skilled
jobs.
SOURCE OF MANDATE OF SANBI
• SANBI, a public entity under the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)
• Established by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act
(NEMBA) of 2004 on the foundations of the National Botanical Institute (NBI)
• Shift from NBI to SANBI – greatly expanded legal mandate
• Minister’s letter of 2004, and subsequent instructions
• Presidential Outcome 10
• Five year rolling Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) based on Cabinet approved
National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) approved by DEA and
Minister annually
• Annual Performance Plan based on above, DEA and Minister approved, and
DEA monitored
• Governance Protocol signed by DG:DEA and SANBI Board
• International Agreements – eg; CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD
• Millennium Development Goals – Goal 7
Biodiversity richness for all
South Africans
Values
SANBI is guided by organisational values spelling out
“uGREAT”
Ubuntu
Harnessing, caring, sharing and being in harmony with all of creation
Growth
Nurturing & empowering teams & individuals to grow & reach their true potential
Respect & Tolerance
Creating open, honest relationships built on trust, mutual respect, dignity & fairness, &
valuing & accepting individuals and diversity
Excellence
Providing service excellence through passion & professionalism
Accountability
Taking pride & responsibility in our work & caring for our environment &
communities
Togetherness
Through collaboration we change the world
uSANBI uGREAT!
Mission
To champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable
use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally
rich biodiversity for all people
STRATEGIC GOAL
SANBI is strategically positioned to harness SA’s biodiversity capacity
and is recognized as the first port of call for knowledge, information and
policy advice on biodiversity in the country.
Goal achieved through 6 programmes
Understanding Biodiversity and bio-adaptation to climate change
Models for integrated and sustainable biodiversity management
Conservation – expand & strengthen the National Botanical Gardens system
Evidence science based biodiversity policy advice to government & society
Biodiversity ‘managed network’ & human capital development
Effective systems, processes and resources to fulfil mandate
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Understanding biodiversity & Bio-adaptation to Climate Change
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National Biodiversity Research Strategy, & MOUs & MOAs with partners to
implement strategy
Research done on land degradation & biodiversity to support DAFF policy
Research papers on population ecology - threatened seabirds, ibises, and
range-expanding birds
Bursaries for full time MSc, PhD & post docs students to value of R300 000
from the Grasslands programme
EIA Data collection tool - used by govt. officers, EIA practitioners & scientists
Threatened species identification tool for Law enforcement officers, provincial
officers and scientists
Biodiversity Indicator report, engaged with StatSA & supported UNEP to
develop regional capacity
Successful Early Detection & Rapid Response of Invasive Species project
1st report on GMO impact on biodiversity, & Monitoring framework for Bt maize
Scientific Authority set up and functioning
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Understanding biodiversity & Bio-adaptation to Climate Change
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20 CREW (citizen volunteer) groups plans implemented, network expanded
to Pondoland, includes work with traditional healers & < HDI participation
Red Lists for priority species published, threatened species mapped & 3500
new records of threatened plants available - digitisation progressing
South African Butterfly Conservation Assessment Report done
Developed new dynamic modeling approach to predict species vulnerability
to climate change
National Biodiversity Assessment: Terrestrial, & spatial analysis with
innovative assessment methods developed – final report end 2011
Marine Biodiversity : Maps of marine ecosystem threat status and protection
levels; Database on point sources of marine pollution, Reef Atlas Project for
improved protection & sustainable use and benefits, and proposed offshore
Marine Protected Area network and priority actions identified
The National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas project led by SANBI
completed and formally accepted by DEA and DWA
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Models for integrated & sustainable biodiversity management
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CAPE UNDP/WB funded project successfully completed and highly praised
Signed MOUs with 10 partners working in the Grasslands biome
34% Critically Endangered SA plant taxa in NBG collections and/or the
Millennium Seed Bank
Pilot projects developed to address challenge of biodiversity conservation
on sites that are identified for land reform
Biodiversity Action Plan developed for offshore diamond mining in
collaboration with De Beers to identify priority actions for biodiversity
management
PetroSA Project on the Agulhus Bank builds knowledge to support
biodiversity management in the offshore petroleum industry
Three biodiversity friendly farm-based management plans developed
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Models for integrated & sustainable biodiversity management
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23,000 ha proclaimed under protected environment in Wakkerstroom
The fine scale planning & biodiversity screening tools are institutionalized in
the forestry sector
Policies and guidelines developed (including lifestyle estate guidelines,
Gauteng biodiversity stewardship strategy, Gauteng Protected Areas
Expansion Strategy)
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot in Baviaanskloof completed
Sandtveld water economics study completed in collaboration with DoA, DEA
& DWA
Pilot project to mainstream biodiversity into Municipal IDPs and SDFs
completed
Publication on Mainstreaming Biodiversity completed, launched at CBD
COP 10 in Japan and South Africa – to great acclaim
2011 Biodiversity Planning forum successfully hosted & Training programme
developed
A multi-sectoral marine biodiversity forum established
The Biodiversity Information Management Forum – a national capacity
building and learning exchange successful and growing in importance
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Conservation – Expand & strengthen the NBG system
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Highest number of visitors to National Botanical Gardens system
Agreement with EC Parks on new NBG in Kwelera Nature Reserve near E.
London
Reached 29,100 beneficiaries through garden programmes – mainly learners
Reduced alien invasive plants in all NBGs, but particularly Lowveld,
Kirstenbosch, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Pretoria and the Walter Sisulu NBGs
Improved interpretative and related signage in NBGs developed according to
international best practice
New MOU improves collaboration between NBGs and local branches of the
Botanical Society
Completion of new EPWP-funded tourism infrastructure in the Harold Porter and
Kwa-Zulu Natal Gardens
Levels of security maintained in all Gardens for staff, visitors and assets
Increased co-operation between NBGs and other botanical activities in South
Africa & Southern Africa, including botanical gardens
Gardens actively promoted and marketed as local, national and international
tourist destinations
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Evidence science based Policy advice to Government & Society
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Developed Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Pelargonium sidoides now policy
National biodiversity stewardship policy developed
Norms and standards for BMPs for ecosystems produced
The 2nd National Communication report to the UNFCCC completed, for
Cabinet approval and forms basis for White Paper
Provide guidance on climate change issues at all scales - local, national,
regional and international
“Making the Case” strategy developed to improve the positioning of
biodiversity in decision making
Grasslands issues widely covered in the media
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National HCD strategy developed with stakeholders in partnership with Lewis
Foundation
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Documentary films made about people, biodiversity and sustainable
livelihoods through the Biodiversity planning and Mainstreaming Division
Short concept notes and policy briefs produced on key biodiversity issues
with links to national development priorities (e.g. green economy and PES)
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Bird ringing demonstration
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Managed Network and Human Capital Development
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Produced comprehensive report on the status of the national biodiversity
collections, risks and recommendations produced – with NRF
Outreach Greening Project in schools implemented, eg, partners
capacitated to implement outreach greening projects and schools greened
in Qaukeni
Increased % coverage of biodiversity conservation messages in school
curricula and resource materials
Number of careers days and expos held & resources materials on
biodiversity conservation careers developed
Launch of the Red List of South African plants (the first mega diverse
country) with a large number of partners and stakeholders and an education
manual on threatened species developed and work shopped to capacitate
officials to use Red Lists for conservation work
Registration of courses with DHE and SETA-accreditation
SANBI library services improved & Increase in peer reviewed scientific
papers
The first Biodiversity HCD Skills Summit held with key player – one result
HR managers in biodiversity organizations better able to retain talented staff
An African wide workshop held on developing the vision and strategy for a
coherent African approach to effective management of biodiversity data
Biodiversity Human Capital Development
2010-11 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Effective systems, processes and resources to fulfill mandate
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Unqualified audit report - particularly pleased with SCM & performance by
objectives
Governance, Compliance and performance reporting commended by DEA
Risk assessment plan done, 20 key risks identified with mitigation actions
Reduction in carbon footprint (also massive cost saving) through effective
use of video conferencing facilities
Comprehensive Sustainable Transformation Initiative begins to bear fruit
Reduction in absenteeism rate and grievances and disciplinary cases
Employment Equity barriers addressed and Employment Equity report
submitted
New, constructive Recognition Agreement with main Trade Union drafted
Board approved new corporate identity developed and now applied, that
reflects the essence of SANBI and its mandate at a glance and is current,
creative and practical
SANBI Website updated
Annual report produced and approved on by Board and delivered to
Parliament
SANBI’s contribution to South Africa’s
International obligations
Conduct research, monitoring and assessment for
understanding biodiversity and adaptation to climate
change
CBD
UNFCCC UNCCD
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Co-ordinate programmes for protecting, restoring and
reducing loss of natural habitat in threatened biomes
and ecosystems
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Provide science-based policy advice
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Manage a network of conservation gardens (national
botanical gardens)
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Drive human capital development, education and
awareness in response to SANBI’s mandate
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Co-ordinate biodiversity information management and
access
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MDGGoal 7
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CHALLENGES
Financial resources
- MTEF grant cut and/or stagnant over last 5 years despite:
- Greatly expanded mandate;
- High inflation; and
- Global reduction in donor funded projects
Human resources
- highlighting careers and jobs in the biodiversity sector
- particularly amongst majority of our people – a legacy issue
Positioning & Awareness
- Raising the national profile of the importance & relevance of
Biodiversity and of SANBI
SANBI Sustainability Strategy
• Contain costs very stringently, austerity measures,
‘lock down’, cash flow management, etc.
• No new posts, no filling of posts that become vacant
except through internal ads, encourage early
retirement - natural attrition but no redundancies
• Speak with DEA at highest level
• Explain problem to National Treasury
• Develop argument for cash injection for 2011-12
• Request MTEF grant increase of R27m going
forward (decision to be made at MTEC in
September )
• Use COP 17 as profile raising opportunity
Thank you for your attention