The Inception and Role of International Environmental Law in Domestic Biodiversity Conservation Efforts: The South African Experience

Abstract

South Africa is internationally renowned for its rich biodiversity heritage that comprises, amongst others, many endemic animals and birds, an abundance of marine biodiversity and a large diversity of flora populations.1 These biodiversity resources are however under continual threat of exploitation and extinction. Moreover, South Africa is in the process of social, developmental and economical reconstruction and upliftment. These considerations may place an additional burden on biodiversity resources if the developmental needs of society are not balanced harmoniously with the conservation needs of the environment in general, and biodiversity resources in particular.