Inadequate management capacity for biodiversity conservation

A major constraint to the implementation of South Africa's biodiversity policy is the dearth of trained South Africans to carry out the tasks required, and a lack of available career opportunities in biodiversity management. A strong cadre of natural scientists exists in South Africa, but few researchers are exposed to the practical problems of management, or have the breadth of knowledge required to address biodiversity conservation problems. There is also a dire shortage of taxonomists in the country. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the recruitment of black South Africans to the conservation sector has been poor, largely as a result of previous discriminatory policies, and the restricted career opportunities offered by the sector. The lack of capacity to implement conservation measures is particularly stark at the local level where many of the actions to remedy biodiversity loss will be required.

1. Lack of integrated management of biodiversity
2. Lack of environmental conservation
3. Inadequate research and development capacity

1. Lack of regional economic models for biodiversity conservation
2. Lack of community economic development models for biodiversity conservation
3. Exclusion of indigenous peoples from natural resource management

1. Lack of biodiversity monitoring

1. Using strategic environmental assessment tools for biodiversity planning
2. Promoting alternative perspectives of biodiversity
3. Preparing reports on biodiversity
4. Developing disaster management strategies for biodiversity conservation
5. Developing adaptive management strategies for biodiversity conservation
6. Building capacity for conserving biological diversity