ENG - UN CC:Learn

The current South African government recognises that efforts to protect the environment
need to be contextualised within the larger framework of sustainable development
addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, including socio-economic
factors such as unemployment and poverty. UNDP South Africa’s objective is to promote
innovative legislation and action to protect the environment, while contributing to the
eradication of poverty in partnership with all levels of government, civil society, and the
private sector. Within the framework of sustainable development, UNDP South Africa
supports the protection and sustainable use of natural resources and the promotion of
responsible tourism for the benefit of all South Africans. 2
BIODIVERSITY ENERGY FSSD*
PORTFOLIO
Scholastica Kimaryo, Resident Representative
To enable the development of national capacities for sustainable development, and the fulfilment of South Africa’s commitments to the
three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate change and desertification, UNDP is supporting the development of a GEF-funded
National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA) process.The assessment takes stock of capacity building activities, plans and strategies within
the thematic areas of the Conventions, and will produce an Action Plan to address the capacity gaps identified.
UNDP is supporting South Africa to adopt environmentally friendly energy technologies that promote sustainable development. Solar
water heaters and solar-powered cookers have been introduced by removing financial, technical and organisational barriers to implementation,
with GEF-funding.The country is also seeking ways to harness wind energy and develop on-grid power generation systems.
Lastly, with funding from UNDP’s Energy Thematic Trust Fund (TTF), the Global Village Energy Partnership focuses on integrated energy
centres (see Spotlight).The TTF is also developing strategies on how to link to LP Gas initiatives, make better use of the integrated energy
centres, and involve the private sector, particularly women entrepreneurs, in taking up business opportunities involving energy.
UNDP is supporting South Africa to conserve biodiversity and eradicate poverty with the participation of civil society, the private sector
and the government. For example, in the Cape Floristic Region, where adjacent marine ecosystems and coastal wild-life are prominent
generators of tourism revenue, UNDP is implementing a project to provide income-generating activities and increased development
knowledge. At a strategic level, the GEF-funded National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) provides the key framework
incorporating all the biodiversity initiatives, and is assisting the department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to develop
action plans, building on existing national policies.
CONTACTS
Mr. Eddy Russell – eddy.russell@undp.org
Mr. Ademola Salau – ademola.salau@undp.org
Tel.: 27-12-354-8037
Fax: 27-12-354-8058
http://www.undp.org.za/environment.html
PARTNERS
Some of our Partners working with
UNDP and the Government in South
Africa
CEF Pty Ltd
GTZ
WWFSA
Wilderness Foundation
FFI
World Bank
1
UNDP,“Institutional Capacity Development for the CDM in South Africa: Final Report of Project Activities in South Africa”, 2005.; 2 http://www.undp.org.za/environment.html; *Frameworks and
Strategies for Sustainable Development
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