HES4809
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
2024 (608044) -
DUE 31 May
2024
CONTACT: biwottcornelius@gmail.com
, Question1 Which key components of the South African legislation would you
change/amend to improve environmental management? Give detailed
reasons for your answer. (20 Marks)
Improving environmental management in South Africa would require careful
consideration and potentially amendments to several key components of legislation.
Here are some areas that could be targeted for improvement:
1. National Environmental Management Act (NEMA):
Strengthening the provisions related to environmental impact
assessments (EIAs) to ensure that they are comprehensive, transparent,
and include meaningful public participation. This could involve requiring
more thorough assessments of potential environmental impacts and
mandating the consideration of alternative solutions.
Introducing clearer guidelines and criteria for sustainable development to
be incorporated into decision-making processes under NEMA, ensuring
that economic development is balanced with environmental conservation.
2. Protected Areas Legislation:
Enhancing the legal framework for protected areas to provide stronger
protection against encroachment, illegal activities, and habitat
degradation. This might involve increasing penalties for violations and
allocating more resources for monitoring and enforcement.
Improving mechanisms for community involvement and benefit-sharing in
protected area management, recognizing the rights and interests of local
communities while ensuring conservation goals are met.
3. Water Management Legislation:
Revising water management legislation to prioritize water conservation,
particularly in regions facing water scarcity and increased demand due to
population growth and climate change. This could involve stricter
regulations on water use, more effective water allocation mechanisms,
and promotion of water-saving technologies.
Addressing pollution and contamination of water sources by strengthening
regulations on industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and other sources
of pollution. Implementing stricter enforcement measures and promoting
sustainable practices could help safeguard water quality.
4. Mining and Mineral Resources Legislation:
Enhancing regulations governing mining activities to minimize
environmental impacts such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and
soil degradation. This might involve requiring comprehensive
environmental impact assessments for mining projects, as well as
implementing stricter standards for mine rehabilitation and closure.
Increasing transparency and accountability in the mining sector by
requiring companies to disclose environmental data, adhere to best
practices, and engage in meaningful consultation with affected
communities.
5. Climate Change Legislation:
Strengthening legislation related to climate change mitigation and
adaptation to align with international commitments and scientific
recommendations. This could involve setting more ambitious emissions
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller examexpert01. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.50. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.