The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) hosted a biodiversity sector stakeholder engagement on 24 and 25 October 2024 to interact with key role-players in the wildlife and biodiversity industry. National and provincial government, as well as communities identified hunting as one of the key drivers of the biodiversity economy. SA Hunters emphasised the role of the local South African hunters and the opportunities towards creating broad-based benefits for the rural economy, while contributing to food security. The contribution this sector can play in transformation and inclusive growth of the sector is undervalued. Strategies are needed to improve its potential impact such as permit/licence fees for hunting species regulated through hunting proclamations. The association will continue to address these issues in support of the future of responsible hunting by citizens.