World Nature Conservation Day, observed on the 28 of July each year, is more than a date on the calendar – it’s a reminder of the deep connection each of us shares with South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, from fynbos and forests to wetlands and coastlines. As a globally recognised as 1 of 17 megadiverse country, our ecosystem is rich, fragile, and worth preserving.
Every river we swim in, every bird we watch, every tree we climb is a part of this legacy. That’s why it's vital to honour and protect it – not just today, but every day.
Conservation Leaders We Stand With
Through its national botanic gardens like Kirstenbosch and Harold Porter, SANBI showcases the beauty of our indigenous plants and educates citizens on ecological restoration. Their tree planting drives, community educational programs, and citizen-science projects are keeping traditional knowledge and habitats alive.
From leading the WWF‑Mondi Wetlands Programme to safeguarding endangered species like the blue crane and African penguin, WWF’s work spans landscapes – wetlands, grasslands, oceans. It’s hands-on science, community engagement, and policy advocacy rolled into one.
These organisations don’t do their work for recognition, they do it because they care deeply about this country’s natural wealth. They plant, they research, they teach. And we all benefit.
We're proud to be part of a movement larger than ourselves. Through our Act4Nature commitments (2023–2027), Interwaste supports conservation in meaningful ways – actions rooted in partnership, evidence, and local impact:
In collaboration with independent and SANBI ecologists, our Klinkerstene site received biodiversity assessments. The assessments will assist us in identifying various areas of improvement where we can restore and preserve the already existing fauna and flora on site. This includes the removal of invasive alien plant species, fostering pollinator pathways, and enhancing habitat zones – all contributing to the site's long-term ecological resilience.
In 2023, we launched a biodiversity Hotspot at our Germiston Hub – an area that has been dedicated to the conservation and preservation of biodiversity within a heavy industrial area. Species monitoring, guided by biodiversity champions on-site, help identify numerous indigenous plants and animal species, reinforcing the idea that even high-traffic operational areas can support biodiversity when managed responsibly. The Germiston work forms part of our broader commitment to integrate conservation thinking across all Interwaste sites, not just in protected zones.
At our Leachate & Effluent Treatment Plant in Delmas, we cleanse and recycle millions of litres of industrial wastewater each month. That water is repurposed, not lost – supporting local ecosystems and preventing contaminants from reaching rivers and wetlands.
Every day, we convert non-recyclable waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and alternative liquid fuels – showing how “waste” becomes opportunity. These energy solutions help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support regional industries, proving that a circular economy isn’t just a concept – it’s real action.
Whether you're a student, teacher, business owner, or retiree, each of us can contribute:
When we plant native shrubs at Klinkerstene, when we treat leachate water at Delmas, when we visit SANBI gardens or join WWF cleanups, we are doing more than checking a box. We are building community. We are connecting with something greater than ourselves. Today, on World Nature Conservation Day, let’s commit to that connection – not because it’s convenient, but because it’s essential.
From the water that sustains us, to the air we breathe, to the ecosystems that balance our world: it all begins with action. Interwaste is proud to walk this path – with you, with SANBI, with WWF, with South Africa.
Let’s protect what we love, together.