On 15 May, Sefora Masia, WOCAN South Africa Coordinator, and Mr Sikhalazo Dube, WOCAN Core Associate and Trainer, met with representatives of Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
- Mr Sandy Nyathi, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
- Ms Wadzi Mandhivenyi, Chief Director of Biodiversity and Conservation, responsible for biodiversity monitoring, biodiversity indicators and reporting as well as responsibility for international issues including multilateral agreements.
- Ms Mapule Changela from Environment Advisory Services Division, responsible for the development of sustainable development policies.
Sefora introduced WOCAN’s structure and programs. She also invited the officials to present their policies at the next WLCAN meeting, which was received positively. The following opportunities for cooperation were identified:
- Offer WOCAN’s leadership course to women professionals during women’s month in August, Systems Directors who work with rural women, women in the Environment Development Programme and female game rangers.
- Develop carbon projects (to be pursued with Deborah, the Chief Director responsible for Climate Change Mitigation)
- Active participation of DEA in WLCAN.
- WOCAN could review DEA documents such as the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) and National Biodiversity Development Framework (NBDF) to make them more user friendly for implementation.