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24 November 2004

The World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) 3rd Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 17 to 25 November 2004, today elected South Africa’s former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, as its President for the next four years (2004 to 2008). This election follows Mr Moosa’s nomination, support and active campaigning by African governments and civil society groups.

“The world is agreed that conservation should be more strongly connected with the needs of the poor. This formula must enable protection of biodiversity in a manner which responds to people’s needs and therefore mainstream conservation and environmental concerns,” said Moosa as he reflected on his election.

“Encouraging is the unique make up of the IUCN as a body of both governments and civil society groups. Coupled with the extensive energy and passion displayed in Bangkok by conservation leaders over the past days, one believes it is indeed an honour for Africa to be bestowed the responsibility of leading the world as it seeks to take conservation to another level,” further added Moosa.

The IUCN is an international conservation union which comprises of over 1000 members from the government and civil society sectors. It has been in existence since 1948 and is recognised as the world’s largest environmental knowledge network which has supported a number of countries in the drafting and implementation of national conservation and biodiversity strategies.

“Valli Moosa is known the world over as a skilful negotiator, implementer and enthusiast, all ingredients IUCN is now much in need of. With the world’s biodiversity loss increased about 100 times more and seeing how this directly relates to increasing levels of poverty, we need to find innovative ways that will encourage humans to value conservation more dearly. Valli Moosa’s reputation is very firm about his abilities in this respect,” said Dr Crispian Olver, Director-General of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and leader of South African delegation at IUCN Congress, as he expressed his team’s joy at the positive results.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, congratulated his predecessor: “We wish Valli every success in his new challenges and know that he will continue to bring to international conservation the same innovation and insight that he brought to South Africa. Having a South African at the helm of one of the most prestigious and influential conservation organisations in the world is another indication of the growing international esteem for South Africa’s leading role in environmental protection and sustainable development”.

For more information contact: JP Louw
Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 01 250 0112 (Bangkok)
Cell: 082 569 3340
E-mail: louwjp@iafrica.com

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
24 November 2004
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)