On the 5th of June 2022 we celebrate #WorldEnvironmentDay with the theme of #OnlyOneEarth
#OnlyOneEarth reiterates the reality of our Earth’s finite resources and the urgent need for transformative change in policies and choices that enable cleaner, greener, and sustainable living in harmony with nature.
Legislative Protection
Biodiversity and ecosystem services play an important role in supporting sustainable development. South Africa is ranked as one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. As such we have extensive legislation that helps to ensure protection of our environment and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA) is the statuary framework to enforce Section 24 of the South African Constitution. NEMA is used as a regulatory tool to ensure the conservation of natural resources and the environment. Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) are required to comply with NEMA and to ensure that the goal of sustainable development is considered.
Additionally, NEMA promotes the concept of Integrated Environmental Management. This requires promoting social, economic, and ecological needs using a holistic approach to the assessment of environmental impacts associated with each stage of a development activity’s life cycle. The overall aim is to secure sustainable development.
In terms of the 2014 NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (amended 2017), Listing Notice 1 Activity 30, a Basic Assessment is required for any activity identified in terms of section 53 (1) of the NEM: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004), i.e. “The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, identify any process or activity in a listed ecosystem as a threatening process.”
CapeNature monitors the status of biodiversity and contributes to the comprehensive inventory of biodiversity in the Western Cape.
If impact assessments are to achieve its purpose, it is essential that biodiversity and ecosystem services are considered. The aim should be to develop project proposals or plans that avoid biodiversity loss and minimise disturbance to ecological functioning.
How can SES help?
Sharples Environmental Services has more than 50 years of combined experience in undertaking the applicable assessments as required by NEMA, NEM:BA and associated environmental legislation.
We provide services ranging from Environmental Impact and Basic Assessments (EIA/BA), Environmental Compliance Monitoring, Rehabilitation Plans, Water Use License Applications, Renewable Energy Application Assistance, Waste License Applications and much more. This sets Sharples Environmental Services apart from others. We utilise our expertise to advise and work hands-on with our clients to ensure that development is sustainable.
For professional environmental services, Contact us: info@sescc.net or (021) 554 5194