Moosa elected head of IUCN
Zibonele Ntuli
25 November 2004
Former Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Valli Moosa has been elected president of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), a position he will hold until 2008.
Moosa was elected at the third nine-day IUCN congress that ends in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday, held under the theme: "people and nature - only one world".
Moosa was elected by an overwhelming majority of 432 votes to 199, in what is said to be a resounding endorsement of the confidence the global conservation community has in his experience, insight and abilities.
Moosa retired from politics before the country's general elections this year, after which government and some NGOs nominated him for this position in recognition of his role in global events while still minister.
Speaking after his election, Moosa said he had identified marine protected areas, transfrontier conservation areas, poverty alleviation, people and parks as his key areas of activity.
"Our
biggest weapon in the battle to protect nature are the citizens of the world", Moosa said. "If people are not involved in efforts to look after and develop the environment, everything else we do will have limited success."
Moosa called for commitment in the implementation of multilateral agreements and the proper allocation of resources.
Congratulating Moosa, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the appointment was a proud moment for South Africa and the continent.
"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", Van Schalkwyk said.
Established in 1948 as an international organisation representing NGOs and governments, the IUCN resolved that its president must come from a developing country, since its main
priority was the recognition that poor people depended on the sustainable management of natural resources.
Through its projects, the IUCN works to apply sound ecosystem management to demonstrate how this is the only way to ensure sustainable livelihoods for those who directly depend on natural resources.
Source: BuaNews
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