The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Decision Tree is an online guidance tool designed to help researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders understand and comply with the legal requirements governing the use of South Africa's indigenous biological and genetic resources. It provides a clear, step-by-step process to determine whether proposed activities fall within the scope of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and the Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-sharing (BABS) Regulations, while helping users identify the appropriate permit or authorization required. Developed by the DFFE, the Decision Tree aims to improve regulatory clarity, promote compliance, and streamline the permit application process for research, bioprospecting, and biotrade activities. It also supports the sustainable
and responsible use of South Africa's biodiversity by encouraging adherence to national legislation and international obligations. Through this initiative, the DFFE seeks to foster collaboration between South African and international researchers, institutions, and businesses, while promoting biodiversity conservation, innovation, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of indigenous biological resources.