The ENACT seminar that took place on the 6 March 2024, addressing the illicit succulent trade in South Africa, provided insightful perspectives into the growing threat faced by the country’s unique biodiversity. The representative from the European Union voiced concern over the seriousness of the issue, highlighting that many illegally traded succulent plants are even rarer than endangered animals often discussed in wildlife crime forums. The exclusive succulent biodiversity in South Africa is on the verge of extinction due to the flourishing illegal trade, compelling several species towards this perilous edge.
The author of the report “Growing, growing, gone: safeguarding SA’s illegally traded succulents,” outlined the three key aims of the report: to provide an overview of the illegal market of wild-harvested South African succulents, explore the practical implementation of the national response strategy and action plan, and to present views from stakeholders on optimising the strategy. The report, based on interviews with 28 stakeholders actively combatting the illegal succulent market, predominantly focuses on the Succulent Karoo region, spanning South Africa and Namibia.
The report explains that the surge in the illegal succulent trade, propelled by global collectors, has resulted in environmental devastation. Entire species are now extinct in the wild, and many more are endangered. South Africa has responded to this imminent threat by formulating a comprehensive national strategy, encompassing seven key objectives that prioritise collaboration between civil society and government authorities.
Stakeholder recommendations gathered by ENACT for this report underscore the urgent need for resources and personnel, both at national and provincial levels, to confront this illicit market effectively. Emphasising long-term collaboration across departments, stakeholders also highlighted the importance of conducting more research into transnational aspects and fostering international cooperation with countries involved in the trade. Additionally, addressing suspected corruption, aligning legislative frameworks, and enhancing botanical education in South Africa emerged as critical steps for disrupting this market.
Additional insights from presenters further elucidated the complexities and urgencies surrounding the illicit succulent trade. One presenter highlighted the demand for ornamental plants, prompting their project’s focus on online monitoring since the majority of these sales occur online. Another speaker’s observations traced the drastic surge in illegal harvesting to socio-economic factors, with severe drought and lockdowns exacerbating poverty and therefore pushing locals to find other sources of income. A third presenter, focusing on broader fauna and flora trade, noted the trophy-driven demand for succulents and highlighted the escalating of wild harvesting cases since 2019, urging a nuanced approach in combating this illicit trade and by extension the criminal organisations behind them.
The seminar and report emphasised ENACT’s commitment to address transnational organised crime and its adverse impact on biodiversity and sustainable development in Africa. The findings reinforce the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach in preserving the unique succulent biodiversity in the region.
To see the full seminar visit the ENACT website here
