The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa,  yesterday 22 May 2013 launched the Mining and Biodiversity Guideline: Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Mining Sector at the National Botanical Gardens in Kirstenbosch, Cape Town.

The Mining and Biodiversity Guideline: Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Mining Sector is a product of the collaboration between the South African Mining and Biodiversity Forum, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Mineral Resources. “The guideline seeks to find a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability and is a key outcome of the Outcome 10 Delivery Agreement,” according to a statement released by the Department ahead of the launch.

Minister Molewaalso launched the Life: State of Biodiversity Report.The Life: State of Biodiversity Report is symbolic of the culmination of 100 years of science in assessing our biological resources and highlighting the status of our water resources in the country. The launch will coincide with the United Nations’ International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) aimed at creating awareness of the importance of biodiversity. The theme for this year’s celebration of IDB is Water and Biodiversity – Water is essential for life.

Both documents represent the linkages and impacts of mining on biodiversity and water resources.