Minister Dr. Dion George

MEDIA STATEMENT

FROM CAPE TOWN TO RIO: SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADERSHIP DRIVES GLOBAL ACTION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

5 NOVEMBER 2025

The international community has taken forward the work that began under South Africa’s G20 Presidency with the adoption of the Rio Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment in Brazil this week.



Read the Full Media Statement Here:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/index.php/media/george_globalactionagainstyenvironmentalcrimes

Thank you to The Economist for the opportunity to engage at Sustainability Week Africa.

I enjoyed discussing how finance can power Africa’s green transition. In my keynote, I highlighted Africa’s opportunity to lead in building credible carbon markets that drive investment, create jobs, and protect the environment.

“As South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, I am entrusted with safeguarding the beating heart of our nation’s biodiversity, a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of our wild heritage.” - Minister Dr. Dion George

Killing of captive-bred lions is not hunting – The Mail & Guardian ‘Canned hunting’ of animals who are habituated to humans, hand-fed, or drugged, in a confined, controlled environment, is unethical and must stop

This beautiful artwork by the children of Iris House Children's Hospice now hangs in my office as a daily reminder of their courage, creativity, and light. Their strength inspires us to build a South Africa where every child can thrive in safety, dignity, and hope.

Charting South Africa’s Path to High-Integrity Carbon Markets

Today I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the Carbon Markets Africa Summit in Johannesburg, where we shared South Africa’s vision for a credible, transparent, and inclusive carbon market system that delivers real climate impact and tangible economic opportunity.

As we prepare for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the message is clear: ambition must now be measured in results. Africa can no longer be a bystander in global carbon markets. We must be participants, price setters, and partners in defining a new era of integrity and innovation.

I introduced South Africa’s Draft Carbon Markets Framework and Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan: two instruments designed to build trust, attract investment, and ensure that the benefits of climate finance reach our people and our communities. Together, they form the foundation for a system where finance from nature is reinvested in nature, for the people.

Our vision is one of unity, fairness, and collaboration. We will not repeat the mistakes of the past, where Africa accounted for only two percent of global carbon projects. Instead, we will set the standards that ensure every credit represents a real reduction, every transaction is transparent, and every community that protects our natural assets shares in the rewards.

The future of carbon markets will be defined not by promises, but by performance. With integrity, innovation and partnership, Africa can lead a new era of climate-smart growth.

“As we draw this Ministerial meeting to a close, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for the dedication, wisdom and spirit of solidarity that have defined our deliberations,” - Said Minister Dr. Dion George as he officially draws the ECSWG ministerial meeting to a close!

Minister George also highlighted the ability of all the countries to work with unity of purpose and clarity of vision, guided by the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.