Advocacy and Environmental Governance
Advocacy is at the heart of our mission.
As the voice of environmental stewardship, we strive to influence policy, raise awareness, and drive positive change that empowers communities and protects our planet.
Our role as the voice of WESSA
Advocacy represents the interests of people including members and the communities within which we serve. Environmental issues often intersect with social justice, affecting the most vulnerable communities.
Our advocacy efforts focus on creating a strong platform for dialogue, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard in discussions about environmental policies and practices. Our team works in collaboration with local communities and members to promote a just transition towards sustainability, where every individual can thrive in harmony with nature.
WESSA’s Environmental Governance Committee (EGC), which comprises of WESSA staff and members, who proactively and reactively collaborate to engage on issues of regional, national, and international significance, is currently reviewing and redeveloping policies on 9 key issues, including Energy, Mining, Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity. Our members are consulted in the drafting of these policies.
Advocacy in action
No to gas powerships
WESSA staff and volunteer activists opposed the proposal to mooring floating gas-powered powerstations in Saldanha, Ngqura and Richards Bay harbours.
Hands on Hartbeespoort Dam
WESSA activists have for many years been trying to prevent the pollution of the Hartbeespoort Dam and the rivers that feed it.
Almost a century of advocacy work
WESSA’s origins nearly one hundred years ago were grounded in advocating for dedicated conservation areas such as the Kruger National Park and other parks that now play a critical role in conserving and protecting our natural heritage and rich biodiversity. From the...
Ecosystems are failing because of us
The one remaining elephant in the Knysna forest is the last of her kind, as her lineage is now functionally extinct. The African penguin is now in such rapid decline that it too could become functionally extinct within the decade. What do we do? In the case of the...
NEMBA Draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy
As a whole we welcome the DFFE’s publishing of the NEMBA Draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy. We believe it a significant and pragmatic step forward in addressing many of the challenges our natural heritage faces and ensuring the constitutional imperative...
South African Youth Statement: COP27
Read the COP27 National Youth Statement handed to Minister for the Environment, Minister Barbara Crecy, on Monday.
WESSAs critique on the proposed Biodiversity Conservation and Use White Paper
WESSA critique on the proposed Biodiversity Conservation and Use white paper
Response to Fin 24 article, “NUM opposed to R131bn deal, backs Mantashe in battling and global anti-fossil fuel agenda”
A just transition should mean a steady moving away from coal and other fossil fuels as old mines and power stations close giving workers a chance to learn new skills and do more interesting and cleaner work.
Position Statement – Seismic Activity in South African Coastal Waters
WESSA is unreservedly opposed to the 3D seismic surveys for oil and gas in the Indian Ocean coastal waters off the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape, and elsewhere off the coast of South Africa.
Open letter to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) under the leadership of Minister Gwede Mantashe, has been a major obstacle to progress on a just energy and mining future
Response to Minister Creecy’s report on the management, breeding, hunting and trade in wildlife
We welcome the decisive action taken by the Minister to end the captive lion breeding industry and restoring South Africa’s key role in conserving critical species.
Open letter to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Water is life, and South Africa does not have enough of it. Our water scarcity, currently acutely experienced in many parts of the country but particularly the Eastern Cape, is projected to become more serious in the future.
Get Involved
To volunteer your expertise and time towards our advocacy work – or seek advice with dealing with a local, regional or national environmental governance issue – please contact your WESSA regional representative or contact the Advocacy, Governance & Membership Manager: morgan.griffiths@wessa.co.za
Tel 031 2013126.
At times there are calls to WESSA members and supporters to Act by joining protests or gatherings. Become a WESSA member.
To learn how to engage in an EIA process for a local or regional development, you can sign-up to participate in a WESSA EIA course.
If you are an environmental practitioner seeking WESSA’s input on a development proposal or issue, please contact morgan.griffiths@wessa.co.za
Tel 031 2013126
Click here to support our Advocacy work with a donation – please be sure to designate ‘Advocacy’ on the drop down menu.