South Africa is a special country, with diverse cultures, remarkable geological wealth and exceptional biodiversity, much of which is unique to our nation. The diversity and uniqueness of South Africa’s species and ecosystems makes us one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations. We host three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, are ranked in the top three nations globally when it comes to plant and marine species found nowhere else on earth, and we have a wide array of ecosystem types across the landscape and seascape.
This biodiversity wealth gives our people tangible benefits like food, clean water, medicine and materials; it supports agriculture and fisheries; it offers resilience against natural hazards like floods and droughts; and it provides the basis of a vibrant tourism industry while offering natural spaces for recreational and cultural activities. Biodiversity is a national asset and a powerful contributor to inclusive growth, socio-economic development and job creation.
This rich endowment is a legacy that must be conserved and used sustainably for the benefit of all South Africans, now and for generations to come.
The National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) is a collaborative effort to synthesise the best available science on South Africa’s biodiversity to inform policy, support decision-making across multiple sectors, and contribute to national development priorities.
The NBA is produced by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, as part of its mandate under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), in partnership with numerous institutions and individuals.
NBA 2025 – NOW LAUNCHED!
The NBA 2025 is the fourth iteration of the assessment, following the 2004, 2011 and 2018 versions.
The NBA 2025 was officially launched on the 9th December 2025 by the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Honourable Ms Bernice Swarts.
NBA 2025 products include:
- Summary of Findings and Key Messages (print and PDF), and
- A dedicated website, which features around 100 webpages of scientifically referenced, citable content, with links to detailed technical documentation and academic publications.
Explore NBA 2025:
- Visit the NBA 2025 website
- Read the official launch press release
Previous NBAs, which have been archived, can be accessed here:
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