HES4809
Assignment 1 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number: 608044
Due Date: 31 May 2024
QUESTION 1
There are several key components of the South African legislation that could be changed
or amended to improve environmental management. These changes would help to ensure
that environmental protection and sustainability are given the priority they deserve, and that
the country can effectively combat the growing environmental challenges it faces. Some of
the key components that could be considered for change include the National
Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
regulations, and the legislation governing the mining and energy sectors.
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Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
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and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, QUESTION 1
There are several key components of the South African legislation that could be
changed or amended to improve environmental management. These changes would
help to ensure that environmental protection and sustainability are given the priority
they deserve, and that the country can effectively combat the growing environmental
challenges it faces. Some of the key components that could be considered for change
include the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, and the legislation governing the mining and
energy sectors.
The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) is a comprehensive piece of
legislation that provides the framework for environmental management in South Africa.
However, there are several areas where it could be improved. Firstly, NEMA could be
strengthened to ensure that environmental considerations are given greater weight in
decision-making processes. This could involve the inclusion of more stringent
requirements for the assessment and management of environmental impacts, as well
as stronger penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations. By doing so,
the Act would create a stronger deterrent for companies and individuals who disregard
environmental considerations.
Additionally, NEMA could be amended to include provisions for the protection of
specific ecosystems and habitats that are currently not adequately covered by existing
legislation. This could involve the establishment of new protected areas or the
enhancement of existing ones, in line with international best practices. This would help
to ensure that the country's unique biodiversity and natural heritage are preserved for
future generations.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations are a crucial aspect of
environmental management, as they provide the framework for assessing the potential
impacts of development projects on the environment. However, there are several
areas where these regulations could be strengthened. Firstly, the current EIA process
could be made more transparent and participatory, to ensure that the concerns and
interests of all stakeholders are taken into account. This could involve the introduction
of requirements for public consultations and the provision of greater access to
information for affected communities. By doing so, the EIA process would become
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
