Vision
BirdLife South Africa wishes to see a country and region where nature and people live in greater harmony, more equitably and sustainably.
Mission
BirdLife South Africa strives to conserve birds, their habitats and biodiversity through scientifically-based programmes, through supporting the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources and by encouraging people to enjoy and value nature.
Donating to BirdLife South Africa
Donations to BirdLife South Africa may contribute to your B-BBEE scorecard as we are fully SED compliant in terms of the B-BBEE Act. We are also a registered Public Benefit Organisation (No. 930004518) and authorised to issue 18A tax certificates where applicable.
BirdLife South Africa is a registered non-profit, public benefit organization and the only dedicated bird-conservation organisation in South Africa.
BirdLife South Africa has more than 5 000 members in more than 40 bird clubs throughout South Africa.
BirdLife South Africa produces its own bird and birdwatching magazine, African Birdlife.
BirdLife South Africa is honoured to have three distinguished people, all of whom are passionate about the conservation of South Africa’s natural environment and its birds, as its Honorary Patrons. They are: Mrs Gaynor Rupert, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, and Mr Mark Shuttleworth, as its Honorary Patrons.
We remember with gratitude a former honorary patron, Mrs Pamela Isdell: July 22, 1945 – March 18, 2025.
Prof. Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan is BirdLife South Africa’s Honorary President.
BirdLife South Africa’s aims are to:
- Save Species (prevent extinctions and maintain or improve the conservation status of bird species)
- Conserve Sites and Habitats (conserve, improve and enlarge sites and habitats that are important for bird species and other biodiversity)
- Encourage Ecological Sustainability (through birds, conserve biodiversity and improve the quality of people’s lives)
- Enable Positive Change through People (integrate bird conservation into sustaining people’s livelihoods)
Why should we conserve birds?
- Birds are an important component part of the world’s biodiversity, providing important ecosystem services
- The bird watching industry is a growing economic force.
- Societies value birds for economic, cultural, ethical and spiritual reasons. In parts of Africa a special relationship exists between birds and local cultures. Birds have inspired artists, and bird images are frequently used to adorn everyday objects like coins, bank notes and postage stamps. Birds are increasingly becoming key elements in revenue generating eco-tourism.
- Birds are indicators of the state of the environment. In general, places that are rich in bird species are also rich in other forms of biodiversity. Their presence indicates a healthy environment.