The IMEL team has been hard at work with the conference organisers getting ready to welcome environmental law colleagues from around the world to the 23rd IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Colloquium.

The important role of law in supporting and strengthening the recognition of OECMs has recently attracted global attention. Some countries, including South Africa, are currently exploring the development of domestic OECM legislation.

Protected areas downgrading, downsizing and degazettement (PADDD) has received growing international attention. Recent efforts to establish a coal mine in the Mabola Protected Environment (MPE) provide a perfect example of PADDD.

In 2024, the Government proposed a streamlined EIA process to expedite the approval of many activities linked to the construction and upgrading of tourism infrastructure, maintenance and conservation within the Kruger National Park.