Today, we join the global community in commemorating World Environment Day, a day that underscores the critical importance of protecting and preserving our environment for present and future generations. All over the world, ecosystems are threatened. From forests and drylands to farmlands and lakes, natural spaces on which humanity’s existence depends are under severe environmental strain. According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 percent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population. The number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 percent since 2000 – without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050 according to the UN. This year’s theme calls upon us to take bold and decisive actions to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable development across our region.

Member states of the SADC region continue to actively respond to the growing challenge of land degradation to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts include the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) and the Sub-Regional Action Programme to Combat Desertification 2015-2025 (SRAP), these instruments have been aligned to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ten-year strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets. Equally, SADC Member states have an obligation to accelerate target achievement processes that consider their national role in their regional and continental contexts by adopting and enforcing policies that enhance our socio-economic growth and sustainable development.

Without habitable land, our future as healthy citizens is severely compromised. The role of Parliaments is therefore integral in shaping and enforcing environmental regulatory frameworks that seek to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote renewable energy. Moreover, through the oversight functions, Parliaments can ensure that governments and industries comply with environmental regulations and commitments.

Parliaments must therefore prioritise climate-resilient policies and support initiatives that enhance adaptive capacities, protect endangered species and their habitats, promote efficient resource use, prevent over-exploitation, reduce pollution levels, and encourage cleaner production methods.

Addressing environmental challenges requires collaborative efforts at all levels of society. We call upon governments, parliamentarians,  civil society organisations, the private sector, and local communities to work together towards common environmental goals. Public awareness and participation are essential for the success of environmental initiatives and the SADC PF is committed to engaging with the citizens of our region on the importance of environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to environmental sustainability. The SADC PF stands ready to lead by example, to support legislative action with foresight, and to act with urgency. Together, we can restore our earth and safeguard our natural heritage.

Yours faithfully,

Ms Boemo SEKGOMA

Secretary General, SADC-PF