MINISTER of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy says the on-going conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity is essential for the protection of over 400 000 jobs.
The tourism sector, which was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, benefits from the creation of more than 88 000 jobs through nature-based travel.
“Our unique biodiversity status means we have a significant economy which creates jobs in parts of our country where there are few other opportunities,” Creecy said.
“In addition, biodiversity or nature-based tourism generates a direct spend of approximately R31 billion in the economy annually”.
Creecy was speaking at the launch of the South African National Parks Week in the Western Cape, which is hosted under the theme “Know Your National Parks”.
As part of week-long initiative, national parks will be accessible to South Africans at no charge between Monday, 16 November and Friday 20 November. Social distancing
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