ENACT, in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF), organised an impactful workshop on 31 January 2024 convening 40 stakeholders, including government NGOs, and nursery owners, to discuss the potential development of a formal economy surrounding South African succulent flora. Aligned with Objective 7 of the National Response Strategy and Action Plan (NRSAP) addressing the illegal trade in succulents, the workshop aimed to explore avenues for expanding the legal trade as a countermeasure.
The workshop addressed critical issues, including the cultivation expansion of succulents, the incorporation of confiscated plant material into the formal economy, regulatory challenges faced by nursery owners, prioritisation of the illegal succulent trade within South Africa’s National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, and entering ABS Agreements with countries involved in succulent trade. This collaborative effort aims to contribute to socio-economic development and conservation while countering the illegal trade.
ENACT’s involvement reflects its commitment to addressing organised crime and its impact on development, governance, security, the environment and the rule of law in Africa. As part of the GIFP the project emphasises evidence-based research, advocacy, and capacity building. ENACT’s continued efforts underscore the importance of collaboration and informed decision-making in combating transnational organised crime as well as in fostering sustainable development in Africa.
