The NBA 2025 key messages distill some of the most important findings of NBA 2025 in a way that is accessible to various audiences.
Each message includes a summary paragraph with a confidence statement. The messages draw on evidence from NBA analyses (e.g., Red List status, ecological condition), explain, why this matters (e.g., consequences for people), and point to practical actions, responses, and interventions that can be taken.
How to use these messages
Read each key message with its underlying data and analyses.
Use them to inform sector strategies, cross-sector planning, research, scenario planning, and implementation roadmaps.
Treat confidence statements as guidance on certainty, evidence quality, and agreement. The confidence statements use the four-box model adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
The NBA provides a summary of the state of biodiversity at a point in time. It cannot list every action or intervention; instead, it serves as a strategic tool that should stimulate discussions among stakeholders and inform sector specific strategies and action plans, cross-sectoral planning, research strategies, scenario planning, and co-produced response strategies that follow from the NBA.
CLUSTER A: Cross-realm pressures on South Africa’s biodiversity are impacting people
This cluster highlights the key pressures on South Africa’s biodiversity across realms, and how these pressures have impact on the numerous benefits people derive from biodiversity.
A1. Accelerated climate change has widespread impacts on biodiversity and people
A4. The prevention and management of biological invasions remain a priority
A5. Building on past successes, opportunities exist for more sustainable and equitable fisheries
A6. Innovation is needed to address escalating illegal wildlife harvesting and trade
A7. Freshwater flows from land to sea are essential for coastal ecosystems, species and communities
CLUSTER B: Improving the status of South Africa’s biodiversity is key to a sustainable and equitable future for all
This cluster relates to the status of South Africa’s biodiversity, using national and international headline indicators. These messages encourage intensive effort towards ensuring a society living in harmony with nature, where biodiversity conservation and sustainable use ensure healthy ecosystems, with improved benefits that are fairly and equitably shared for present and future generations.
B3. Genetic diversity of South African indigenous species’ populations is declining
CLUSTER C: Inclusive actions across the whole of government and whole of society are needed to secure nature’s contributions to people
This cluster speaks to three all-inclusive and over-arching actions that are needed to accelerate the calls to action expressed in each message in cluster A and B.