SANBI seeks R741 million for infrastructure upgrades at Kirstenbosch Gardens and Pilanesberg National Park

Nqabisa Gantsho, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) needs a budget of R741 million for infrastructure upgrades to Kirstenbosch Gardens and Pilanesberg National Park.

Challenges at Kirstenbosch and Pilanesberg required donors and stakeholders to secure the financial and operational resources necessary for long-term sustainability, said Nqabisa Gantsho, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, on Wednesday.

SANBI met the committee and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the North-West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Department on Wednesday.

The committee heard that South Africa’s network of national botanical and zoological gardens, managed by SANBI, faces significant infrastructure challenges that threaten its ability to fulfil critical roles in conservation, research, education and tourism.