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.

To meet its global biodiversity commitments, South Africa will need to more than triple its current land coverage within protected and conserved areas in the next five years. It has identified priority focus areas to target.