Department Of Forestry, Fisheries And Environment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is a South African national government department responsible for environmental policy, conservation, forestry management, fisheries regulation and climate-change response. It was formed in 2019 through the merger of the former Department of Environmental Affairs and the forestry and fisheries functions previously housed in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The department's mandate includes enforcing environmental legislation, managing national parks and protected areas, regulating marine resources, overseeing sustainable forestry, and coordinating South Africa's climate commitments under international agreements. It administers key statutes including the National Environmental Management Act and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, and is responsible for issuing environmental authorisations for major projects, including mining, energy and infrastructure developments. The department also oversees entities such as South African National Parks, the South African National Biodiversity Institute and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. In the nuclear sector, it plays a role in environmental impact assessments and regulatory oversight of radioactive waste management. The department is led by a Cabinet minister and is headquartered in Pretoria. Its work intersects with economic development, land reform and energy policy, making it a key player in South Africa's transition to a low-carbon economy.