SA Allocates R9.1 Billion Budget to Climate Action, Fisheries Protection

South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has presented a R9.127 billion Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining major investments aimed at environmental protection, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, fisheries management, and green job creation.

Presenting the budget in Parliament, Aucamp said the allocation reflects the government’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic development and employment generation.

“Every rand in this budget has been allocated to protect ecosystems, strengthen climate adaptation, improve environmental regulation, and support inclusive economic growth and job creation,” the Minister said.

The budget places strong emphasis on:

• Climate preparedness

• Biodiversity protection

• Sustainable fisheries

• Air quality management

• Public employment programmes

• Marine resource conservation

R960 Million Allocated for Green Jobs Programme

One of the largest allocations within the budget is directed toward the:

• Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)

which will receive:

• R960 million

The programme is expected to generate:

• More than 71,000 work opportunities

• Over 45,000 full-time equivalent jobs

The initiative aims to support vulnerable communities through environmental and conservation-related employment projects.

“These opportunities provide meaningful work that helps people support their families and communities,” Aucamp said.

The department has increasingly used environmental restoration and conservation programmes as tools for:

• Poverty reduction

• Rural employment

• Skills development

• Community support

Fisheries Sector Receives R514 Million

The:

• Fisheries Management Programme

has been allocated:

• R514 million

to support:

• Sustainable use of marine resources

• Fisheries sector development

• Marine ecosystem protection

• Coastal resource management

The funding will also help maximise the economic potential of South Africa’s fisheries industry while maintaining ecological sustainability.

Government Reaffirms Science-Based Fisheries Management

Aucamp stressed that fisheries decisions would continue to be guided by:

• Scientific evidence

• Sustainability principles

• Legal compliance

The Minister referred to recent appeals by small-scale fishing cooperatives in the:

• Traditional Linefish sector

• West Coast Rock Lobster sector

He said the appeal processes were expedited without compromising scientific integrity.

“I ultimately upheld those appeals,” he stated.

The government also reiterated its commitment to supporting:

• Small-scale fishing communities

• Fishing cooperatives

• Sustainable marine livelihoods

R130 Million for Marine Research and Fish Stock Surveys

To strengthen sustainable fisheries management, the department has allocated:

• R130 million

for:

• Pelagic surveys

• Demersal surveys

during 2026.

The surveys will gather independent scientific data used for:

• Fish stock assessments

• Setting annual catch limits

• Marine ecosystem monitoring

Accurate stock data remains critical for preventing overfishing and ensuring long-term sustainability of commercial fisheries.

Fishing Harbours and Coastal Enforcement to Be Strengthened

The department also plans to:

• Operationalise 12 proclaimed fishing harbours

• Improve maritime enforcement capabilities

• Strengthen Exclusive Economic Zone monitoring

• Expand support for fishing cooperatives

Officials said improving harbour infrastructure and enforcement systems is essential for:

• Coastal economic development

• Fisheries regulation

• Marine resource protection

The department will additionally publish the:

• 2026 Aquaculture Sector Performance Report

to assess industry growth and identify sector challenges.

Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection Gets R261 Million

The:

• Biodiversity and Conservation Programme

will receive:

• R261 million

The Minister said the funding would support:

• Wildlife protection

• Conservation management

• Anti-poaching operations

• Biodiversity enforcement

Aucamp highlighted the continued importance of the:

• National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

which aims to strengthen:

• Intelligence sharing

• Investigations

• Regional cooperation

• Cross-border enforcement operations

Kruger National Park Security and Conservation Prioritised

The Minister specifically noted ongoing efforts to strengthen operations in:

• Kruger National Park

and cooperation with neighbouring countries such as:

• Mozambique

to combat:

• Wildlife trafficking

• Environmental crime

• Cross-border poaching

South Africa continues to face major challenges related to:

• Rhino poaching

• Illegal wildlife trade

• Organised environmental crime networks

Flood Damage Forces SANParks to Redirect Funds

The Minister revealed that severe floods in January 2026 caused substantial damage affecting:

• South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

• Kruger National Park

As a result:

• SANParks redirected R51 million

from previously planned digital upgrade projects toward urgent infrastructure rehabilitation and recovery work.

The floods highlighted growing concerns about:

• Climate-related disasters

• Infrastructure vulnerability

• Environmental resilience

Government Warns Climate Change Is Happening “In Real Time”

Aucamp warned Parliament that South Africa is already experiencing the direct impacts of climate change through:

• Floods

• Heatwaves

• Droughts

• Extreme weather events

“One of our realities is that we are dealing with climate change in real time,” the Minister said.

The government said climate adaptation and preparedness will become increasingly important components of environmental planning and budgeting.

R53.5 Million Allocated to Air Quality Management

To improve air pollution monitoring and management, the department has allocated:

• R53.5 million

toward air quality initiatives.

A major component of this programme will be the deployment of:

• More than 300 low-cost air quality monitors

across the country.

The nationwide rollout aims to:

• Improve pollution monitoring

• Strengthen data collection

• Support environmental regulation

• Enhance public health protection

Air pollution remains a major concern in several South African industrial and urban regions.

Environmental Protection Linked to Economic Development

The budget reflects the government’s broader effort to align:

• Environmental sustainability

• Climate resilience

• Economic inclusion

• Community livelihoods

through integrated policy and investment approaches.

Officials said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will continue focusing on:

• Sustainable resource management

• Green economic opportunities

• Climate adaptation

• Conservation enforcement

• Scientific governance

while addressing the growing environmental pressures facing the country.