SANParks and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment honour the ‘Green Scorpions’ – the nation’s environmental guardians – on the first-ever EMI Day, spotlighting their fight against ecological crime. Picture Credits: Bushbuckridge News
By Duncan Mnisi
South Africa marked its inaugural Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) Day on Thursday, a nationwide event organised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks).
The celebration forms part of the DFFE’s EMI Brand Promotion Strategy, which aims to raise public awareness of the critical role played by Environmental Management Inspectors – popularly known as the Green Scorpions – in protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
SANParks, an accredited EMI institution, employs a substantial team of inspectors across its national parks. Their duties include enforcing environmental laws, combating ecological crimes, and preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity. “The Green Scorpions are vital in safeguarding our environmental future,” said Chief Security Officer Eunice Mulaudzi at an event held at Phabeni Kruger Gate. She added that EMI Day provides the public an opportunity to recognise the inspectors’ dedication and understand the importance of environmental law enforcement.
Major national parks, including Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Camdeboo National Park, Kruger National Park, and Table Mountain National Park, joined in the celebrations. Under this year’s theme, “Green Scorpions: Protectors of the Environment for Future Generations,” activities featured visible law-enforcement demonstrations to showcase the inspectors’ daily work.
Authorities emphasised that the events aim to boost public visibility of the Green Scorpions and foster greater appreciation for their efforts, from combating wildlife crime to maintaining the integrity of protected areas. “EMIs continue to play a fundamental role in safeguarding South Africa’s environmental future,” the DFFE statement noted.
The inaugural EMI Day highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening environmental protection and encouraging community involvement in conservation efforts. SANParks and the DFFE are expected to release further details on upcoming activities and ways for the public to support the Green Scorpions.
This is a developing story.
