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
Kruger National Park Rhino population
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) expresses concern about the well-documented decline (more than 50%) of the rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) over the last 10 years and the subsequent low number of these animals now remaining in the park.
Rhino horn trade
WESSA recognizes the intrinsic value of wildlife, the importance of wildlife to humanity, and views wildlife and people as interrelated components of an ecological-cultural-economic complex.
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.