Our shared trusteeship, Our natural heritage

Even as the world continues to face the challenges of the Anthropocene—a time where human activity is deeply affecting the planet—we, as a nation, are blessed with a rich and vibrant natural environment. South Africa is known around the world for its incredible biodiversity. In fact, the UN’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) recognizes our country as the third most biodiverse in the world. This natural wealth is something truly special—something that deserves our shared care and protection.

Even though our country covers only 2% of the Earth’s land surface, we are home to 10% of the world’s plant species and 7% of its reptiles, birds, and mammals. We also host around 15% of the world’s marine species. Many of these species are found nowhere else in the world. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 56% of our amphibians, 65% of our plants, and up to 70% of our invertebrates are unique to South Africa.

This incredible biodiversity puts us, the people of South Africa, in a powerful position. If we are willing to take up the responsibility, we can be trustees of life and the natural world. We have the chance to keep the world’s attention on the beauty and value of life on Earth—for our sake, and for the generations that will follow us.

Right now, more than ever, it is vital that we put our environment first, even as the political and economic tides shift around us. A large part of our biodiversity is under threat. According to national studies, 10% of our birds and frogs, 20% of our mammals, and 13% of our plant species are at risk of extinction.

When it comes to our natural ecosystems, the numbers are just as worrying. A report from the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) showed that 82% of our main river systems are under threat—with nearly half considered critically endangered. Out of 440 types of vegetation across the country, 5% are critically endangered, 12% endangered, and 16% vulnerable. Three out of 13 types of estuaries are critically endangered, and 65% of our 34 marine zones face serious threats, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss.

These stats are only part of the picture, but they’re enough to show us just how serious the situation is. The choices we make—individually and together—will decide what kind of land and environment our children will inherit. Will they grow up in a world full of greenery, water, and abundant life? Or in a place dry, damaged, and struggling to survive—where only the toughest and most aggressive life forms remain?

If we choose to care for the Earth, we must commit to a shared journey. We must bring attention to our trees, rivers, mountains, and grasslands—and help nature thrive in every part of life we touch and influence.

South Africa has a long and proud history of environmental activism. From the 1800s until today, we’ve had people and groups working hard to protect our natural heritage. Over time, these efforts have changed for the better. What started as small, exclusive circles has become much more open and community-driven. Today, organisations like GroundWork South Africa, Earthlife Africa, and the Coalition for Environmental Justice are leading the charge—bringing people together from all walks of life to stand for our ecosystems.

Each one of us faces the same choice that these brave movements have already made: to be keepers of the Earth, defenders of nature, and champions of life in its many forms.