Green Scorpions Honoured in Landmark Celebration

South African National Parks (SANParks) has joined the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in marking the inaugural Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) Day, celebrated nationwide on 20 November 2025. The day forms part of the DFFE’s EMI Brand Promotion Strategy, aimed at raising awareness about the vital role played by Environmental Management Inspectors—widely known as the Green Scorpions—in protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

SANParks, as an accredited EMI institution, employs a significant number of these inspectors across its national parks. Their responsibilities include enforcing environmental legislation, combating ecological crimes, and ensuring the preservation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity. EMI Day provides an opportunity to recognise their commitment, highlight their work, and engage the public in understanding the importance of environmental law enforcement.

Several national parks participated in the celebrations, including Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Camdeboo National Park, Kruger National Park, and Table Mountain National Park. Activities were hosted in collaboration with various stakeholders, focusing on visible law enforcement aligned with this year’s theme: “Green Scorpions: The Protectors of the Environment for Future Generations.”

These initiatives aim to improve public visibility of the Green Scorpions and promote a deeper appreciation of their daily efforts. From tackling wildlife crime to maintaining the integrity of protected areas, EMIs continue to play a fundamental role in safeguarding South Africa’s environmental future.