SA Unveils 59 Green Projects to attract over R8 Million in Biodiversity investment

by Kelebogile Matlou

On Friday, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, announced during his department’s budget vote speech in Parliament the identification of 59 bankable biodiversity projects. These projects are expected to generate at least over R8 million in green finance, aimed at attracting investment and strengthening the biodiversity economy in South Africa.

The announcement came with the launch of the biodiversity sector investment portal, a platform designed to link investors with environmentally sustainable and profitable projects. This forms part of the department’s broader strategy to drive financial innovation and environmental protection. “In the face of budget cuts, the DFFE is doubling down on financial discipline and innovation to ensure every rand unlocks value for people and the environment,” said George.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is positioning itself as a leader in environmental financing, especially amid ongoing budget constraints. To support this mission, all departmental branches are being urged to find new revenue sources, cut unnecessary spending, and secure sustainable finance.

image: SA NEWS

To unlock additional value, draft regulations are being developed to monetise carbon credits. This could open doors to job creation, private investment, habitat conservation, and funding for crucial environmental programmes. Among the highlighted initiatives is the Green Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), which continues to support innovative climate, energy, and waste projects.

The 59 biodiversity projects featured on the new investment portal have already attracted firm financial commitments. Dr George also presented examples of how other department-linked bodies are contributing to both conservation and socio-economic upliftment.

The South African National Parks (SANParks), through the Expanded Public Works Programme, has created over 21 000 full-time jobs in the past five years. Similarly, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has seen progress in its commercialisation plan, with 62 contracts signed and new tourism revenue expected to flow to the park from September 2025.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is also set to lead with a R740 million project funded by the Green Climate Fund, launching later this year. The project will use ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction to benefit more than 350 000 people directly and 1.5 million indirectly.