The national and provincial authorities now have concurrent legislative competence with regard to the functional areas concerned with the planning and management of land resources, but minerals and water are still national functions.

Various high level committees have been established to promote cooperation between national and provincial authorities to integrate policies and legislation. On national and provincial ministerial levels, a MinMEC committee has been established. The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the nine provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) responsible for the environment are represented on this committee. Section 12 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 provides for the establishment of a Committee for Environmental Coordination (CEC) to coordinate actions taken by departments on national and provincial levels which may have an impact on the planning, protection, management or utilisation of land resources. This Committee has several subcommittees - for environmental impact management, integrated pollution control, sustainable development and environmental education - to assist the CEC with its tasks.

It is also the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's responsibility, as the lead role players in the above-mentioned coordinating committees, to influence and participate in the development of other national and provincial department's policies and legislation in order to integrate the planning and management of land resources. The following progress has been made on the national level in this regard: Department of Finance - participate in the development of economic instruments such as green taxes, subsidies etc.; Department of Transport - reviewing its legislation and are formulating an Environmental Policy for Transport. The use of environmental impact management tools and cleaner technologies are promoted in this policy. A guideline document has been finalised which integrates environmental management into its planning, development and decision-making processes; Department of Land Affairs - is in the process of rationalising national physical planning. Various policies and legislation are being develop which integrate the planning and management of land resources; Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) - is drafting a new Energy Policy which considers the impacts of energy supply on the environment. The Minerals Section supports the concept of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). It is in the process of integrating environmental management into the planning, exploitation and management of mineral resources. The DME has, through the Minerals Act, 1991 (Act 50 of 1991), been instrumental in furthering this objective in the mining industry specific to mining areas. The Minerals Act, 1991, provides the authorities with dedicated control measures which, if judiciously applied, will ensure economic growth and environmental conservation. The act provides that the rehabilitation of the land surface disturbed by mining shall be carried out by the holder of the prospecting permit or mining authorization in accordance with an Environmental Management (EMP) and as an integral part of mining operations. Department of Trade and Industry - is in the process of developing an Environmental Policy; Department of Water Affairs and Forestry - implemented the principles of IEM in its policy and environmental impact management processes; Department of Agriculture - is in the process of developing a new "Sustainable Utilisation of Agricultural Resources Act"; The South African National Defence Force has developed a Military Integrated Environmental Management Plan to ensure the integration of military utilisation and environmental management.

Most Provincial Governments are currently in the process of capacity-building and training due to the responsibilities assigned to them in terms of the Constitution. With regard to integrating the planning and management of land resources, an Integrated Rural Development Policy is being drafted by the KwaZulu/Natal Province. Furthermore, KwaZulu/Natal Province approaches the integration of land resources through a hierarchy of plans system. The overall spatial development distribution, frameworks for planning at lower levels, plans for areas of intersection and interaction between

1. Decision-Making Structure: In 1997, IEM processes will become mandatory in South Africa. The Development Facilitation Act, 1995 allows for a streamlined Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Decision on mining authorisation is made by the Regional Director of DME after consultation with each department which administers laws pertaining to the environment.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See comment Chapter 8

3. Major Groups: See comment Chapter 8

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regional cooperation and exchange of information take place through involvement in the Southern African Developing Communities (SADC). A specific project regarding an environmental regulatory framework for mining activities in SADC is currently being undertaken.

Through signing the Convention to Combat Desertification, South Africa has committed itself to combating deforestation as a priority.

Kwazulu/Natal Province is in the fortunate position that most natural forests occur in areas which have statutory protection, either as state forest areas, nature reserves or wilderness areas, or as statutory protected areas under nature conservation legislation. This is a reflection of the small proportion of the province where natural forests occur. Where local communities have access to forest resources, e.g. for medicinal purposes, or for fuel wood, arrangements and agreements between the nature conservation agency and local communities have been structured to ensure that the use is sustainable, and that there is no net loss of components, either quantitatively or qualitatively. For natural forests on private land, a number of programmes have been developed to inform landowners of the value of these resources and the need for their protection, and to enlist the support of landowners in protection. These are the establishment of conservancies, where a complex of private land owners commit themselves to the joint management of adjacent lands, biosphere reserves, where a statutorily proclaimed protected area forms a component part of a multiple use zone, the South African Natural Heritage Site where sites are designated as meeting certain criteria and where landowners commit themselves to the conservation management of the sites, and finally, sites of conservation significance, where features of regional value for nature conservation are designated.

Through the Environment Management (EMP) and mining authorisation processes, sensitive forest areas are either excluded or a specific Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has to be done prior to approval of an EMP. Rehabilitation of mining areas takes cognisance of the specific vegetation and land capability requirements.

Wood supply for rural areas is scarce in many places. In view of indoor air pollution caused by fuel wood and its scarcity, alternatives to the use of wood fuel are investigated and promoted.

The "Buyer Must Pay Initiative" of the Department of Minerals and Energy has been completed and the responsibility of wood supply and tree planting is now in the hand of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.

1. Decision-Making Structure: Forestry is an area of national legislative competence, and the principle decision-maker is the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, supported by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Partnerships are developed to facilitate holistic decision-making. Development of the NFAP involves other government departments, the forestry industry, forestry industry labour, communities and all stakeholders. The NFAP will ultimately form part of a National Environmental Plan, coordinated by DEA&T. The management of some state forests has been delegated to provincial government.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The NFAP directs special attention to capacity-building. A working group has been established to address research, technology and innovation issues.

3. Major Groups: The White Paper includes commitments inter alia to improve the role of women at all levels of forestry-related decision-making, to promote community management and utilisation of forest resources, and to provide support for small growers and processors.

4. Finance: The NFAP is being developed with the assistance of expertise from an international development aid agency.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: The White Paper includes a commitment to work with SADC to achieve sustainable development and management of forest resources in the region.

1. Decision-Making Structure: A reference group has been established to implement the national programme to combat desertification Steering Committee, chaired by the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, in attendance at INCCD - as well as Valdivia Group meetings.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Through the process of developing a National Action Programme, capacity will be built on a national, provincial and local level. The Government has attended Asia-Africa Forum meetings to combat desertification as well as the Southern African Regional Commission for the Conservation and Utilization of the Soil (SARCCUS) and SADC relevant annual committee meetings. The Government has also partcipated in the initiation and management of Reclamation and Rehabilitation programmes throughout South Africa's nine Provinces in collaboration with the relevant Provincial authorities, NGOs and Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

3. Major Groups: NGOs such as the Environmental Justice Networking Forum and Environmental Monitoring Group and CBOs are working on desertification issues in South Africa. National, provincial and local governments and private sector are also involved in combating desertification and drought.

4. Finance: Reclamation and rehabilitation programmes financed by the Department of Agriculture and donations from overseas institutions, e.g. for the Government of Ireland (Witbank farm, Northern Cape Province) are escalating annually. Reconstruction and Development funds are also being incorporated in combating desertification for e.g. the Department of Water Affairs & Forestry's invasive plant control programmes in water catchment areas throughout South Africa, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, NGOs and CBOs. The Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism is currently negotiating with international donors to procure funds for the development of the NAP, the audit, as well as for the awareness raising campaign.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: In the sub-regional context, South Africa is a member of the Southern African Developing Community (SADC), which is currently busy formulating a sub-regional action programme to combat desertification. South Africa is the coordinator of desertification issues within the Valdivia Group (member countries of the Group of Temperate Southern Hemisphere Countries on Environment). The Valdivia Group fosters exchange and cooperation on environmental and scientific matters between the participating countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and Uruguay).

In forestry initiatives, relationships exist within SADC with respect to training courses, exchange of information and advice, and acquisition of seedstocks.

1. Decision-Making Structure: A wide range of legislation controls the development of mountain ecosystems. The provincial governments are responsible for Mountain Catchment Areas in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act, Wilderness Areas in terms of the Forest Act and nature reserves and planning (rural and urban development) in terms of their ordinances. Development of water resources is controlled by the Water Act and forestry (silviculture) is controlled by the Forest Act, both of which are the responsibilities of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the implementation of the Agricultural Resources Act. National Parks are managed by the National Parks Board in terms of the National Parks Act.

National and Provincial Government are responsible for legislation affecting mountain areas. Although there is a Mountain Catchment Areas Act, there is a need to harmonize legislative policies and formulate new mountain specific legislation.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Very little has been done towards capacity building in relation to these programmes since 1992. There are national institutional bases that carry out research, training and dissemination of information which relates to sustainable development of the economies of mountain ecosystems, but these activities need to become more focussed on the problems experienced in such areas.

3. Major Groups: A large part of our mountainous areas is in private ownership. In the wetter areas, forestry companies have changed the natural grassland to commercial plantations of exotic timber species. There is some concern regarding the effects of this type of development on our biodiversity, our wetland ecosystems and our water supply. Wetlands, while a major cross sectoral issue, are considered to be extremely important and equally fragile ecosystems and in future should warrant a chapter on their own.

4. Finance: Financial resources to cover the objectives of sustainable mountain development are obtained from each organisation's budget. Specific figures are not available.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: South Africa has joined the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Most regional cooperation will be through the structures of this organisation. Bilateral cooperation with Lesotho on the Drakensberg-Maluti ranges continues. South Africa is an active member of a number of relevant international treaties and organizations including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat, the Convention on Migratory Species, and the IUCN.

Lesotho and South Africa cooperate and coordinate activities relating to the management of the upper Drakensberg mountain catchment area. South Africa attended the 'African Inter-Governmental Consultation on Sustainable Mountain Development' held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 3 - 7 June 1996. A number of socio-economic, technical, legislative and institutional issues were identified which can be considered in all national development policies and programmes.

Besides this, agricultural goals and strategies to support the government's growth and development plan, at national and provincial levels were developed. Provincial Governments are also in the process of formulating Integrated Rural Development Policies aimed at implementing above-mentioned issues in sustainable agricultural and rural development.

The National Department of Agriculture, supported by the nine provincial Members of the Executive Council responsible for agriculture, established a national design team for broadening access to agriculture for those who previously lacked access. Their report, tabled during April 1995, dealt with financial services, human resource development, technology development and delivery systems. A South African Land Care initiative is being developed with the focus on people participation by means of a bottom-up approach to promote conservation awareness, capacity building and rural development.

From 1972 to the present, more than 90% of South Africa was covered by a Land Type survey, at 1:250 000 scale such that each Land Type displays a marked degree of uniformity with regard to terrain, soil and climate parameters. It is foreseen that this process will be completed within the next five years. Through the integration of the Land Type information and crop modeling, within a geographical information system, high potential land for rain-fed annual crop production in South Africa was demarcated on a 1:2 500 000 scale during 1996. The full potential of the Land Type database would only become a reality after completion of the second, or ecotope, phase that will lead to the establishment of an electronic database indicating areas that are homogeneous with respect to land suitability or land sensitivity. Research proposals for a pilot ecotope project are being considered at present.

As agriculture is mainly a provincial function, many activities aimed at sustainable agriculture were launched by the nine Provinces dealing for example with:

* food production by resource poor communities

* access to agricultural produce through appropriate marketing strategies

* identification of available land for farmer settlement

* formulation of adapted farming practices and management plans

* coordination and channeling financial aid to farmers

* promotion of conservation practices

* construction of conservation and reclamation works

* alien plant control

* social upliftment programmes for farm workers

* household food security

* job creation

1. Decision-Making Structure: The National Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs and the nine Ministries of the Provinces are responsible for sustainable agriculture and rural development. These functions are being dealt with under the following national legislation:

a) The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983)

b) The Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (Act 70 of 1970)

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The involvement in these matters are wide and include the following major role players: National Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs; The nine Provincial Ministries; Universities; Agricultural Research Council; Various NGOs and CBOs.

3. Major Groups: The major groups involved are Organised Agriculture, Universities, the Agricultural Research Council, NGOs and CBOs.

4. Finance: The Agricultural Credit Act forms the basis for action by the Agricultural Credit Board. The Board's assistance makes provisions available to communal farmers, subsistence and beginner farmers, small farms, part-time and commercial farmers. In addition, the Board provides assistance to farmers for purchasing land under certain conditions. State assistance is also available to facilitate production loans to small farmers. Farmers can apply for various subsidies concerning drought assistance, sustainable agriculture and the conservation of natural agricultural resources.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regional cooperation with the rest of Africa takes place in a Southern African context through the Southern African Regional Commission for the Conservation and Utilization of the Soil (SARCCUS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). International cooperation with multilateral organisations such as the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the SA/US Binational Committee has also taken place.

The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1993 and ratified in 1995.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was signed in 1975 and the latest report was submitted in 1995.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

Other conventions which support the principles of the conservation of biodiversity to which South Africa is a party to, are the Bonn Convention and the Ramsar Convention.

The conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is given very high priority by the South African Government. A national policy on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is presently being developed and is in the final green paper stage, with submission to Parliament for acceptance envisaged early in 1997. Under the auspices of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, a National Forestry Plan is also being developed in collaboration with other relevant sectors. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is acting as a national focal point for matters relating to biodiversity and biosafety with national policy making and coordination as main function. Executive functions regarding protection and conservation of biological and other resources of the natural environment reside with the National Parks Board and the Provincial Nature Conservation Authorities. An assessment of the natural resources in the area of each of the authorities is presently underway and is to be collated into a national status report towards the end of 1997. In 1997, a process to develop a national strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity will also be initiated with a target date for completion of the national strategy by the end of 1997. A subcommittee on biodiversity has been established under the Committee for Environmental Coordination and began its work in September 1996.

The Natal Parks Board has initiated a process in the Kwazulu/Natal Province for assessing the degree to which current policies, programmes and actions meet the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and to reformulate these as a Provincial Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. This process should be complete by the end of 1996. It is emphasized that most current programmes, which are highly advanced, and under the control of the provincial nature conservation authorities, meet the requirements of the Convention. The current process is a review which may lead to a revised prioritisation of current activities.

A wetlands conservation bill has been tabled in parliament, and a national act for the protection of endangered species is being prepared.

Conservation bodies work together with various government and non-government organizations with regard to the following projects, e.g. Proteas, Bird and Frog Atlassing Projects, Rhino Management and Zoos.

For more information on the implementation of the CITES Convention, please refer to Chapter 2.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was signed in 1984.

See also the attached tables on the next pages.

The Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) was signed in 1984, and ratification is currently under review in terms of constitutional requirements. Despite a lengthy consultative process, ratification of LOSC has not yet been approved, primarily as a result of concerns in respect of access to South Africa's living marine resources by landlocked neighbour states in the absence of a clearly formulated and nationally accepted fishery policy.

National policies on environment, on fisheries, on biological diversity, on coastal zone management, and on marine protected areas are presently being developed. The level of importance attached to some of the activities in Tables I to V may change once these national policies have been finalized. South Africa and its subantarctic islands have an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ of the Prince Edward Islands is administered in accordance with requirements of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLAR), which was signed and ratified by South Africa in 1980

The current fragmentary nature of the decision making structures, and the lack of communication amongst the relevant bodies, causes difficulties in the protection of the marine and coastal areas of South Africa. The creation of a coordinating body to integrate all aspects of conservation of biological diversity has been suggested in the development of a national policy as a solution to this problem.

Except for mining and prospecting, environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are currently not required by law prior to major projects, but the relevant decision making authority can request that an EIA be carried out. Public pressure, and a desire for transparency in decision making processes, has lead to EIAs being requested prior to most major developments, but there is no systematic observation or follow-up to these. This situation will improve once National Policy on the environment and on conservation of biological diversity has been formulated and accepted. Exploitation of gas and precious minerals in the marine environment is regulated by the Minerals Act, and environmental management programmes (EMP) are required for these offshore mining operations.

1. Decision-Making Structure: Responsibility for decision-making is fragmented, but the major role players at a national level are the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Department of Water Affairs. In the Department of Minerals and Energy, the Regional Director approves mining authorisation and EMP after consultation with relevant authorities.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: South Africa has good technological skills in some areas, but very poor in most. Capacity-building is generally lacking, but is being addressed.

3. Major Groups: Governmental, non-governmental, parastatal and community organisations and industry (e.g.Mossgas, SOEKOR, Marine Diamond Association) are involved in activities related to the protection of oceans and the rational development of their living resources.

4. Finance: Programmes and activities related to the protection of oceans are generally under funded.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regional and International cooperation in this area has been possible only since the 1994 democratic elections. A wide range of cooperation initiatives is being developed. The Government is cooperating with Namibia on activities pertaining to mining in the offshore and near shore marine area.

Integrated Water Resources Development and Management: Integrated catchment management (ICM) is now widely accepted as a vehicle for developing water resources and managing water in harmony with other natural resources, taking into account the interactions among water, and social and economic development. South Africa's water law is being thoroughly revised, and ICM is one of the principles upon which the new Water Act will be founded. The water law review also provides the opportunity to achieve harmonisation with the approximately 30 other laws which relate to water.

Water Resources Assessment: A general assessment of surface water availability commenced in 1990, and the results were finally published in 1995 (see Statistical Data). The hydrological gauging system, which is under continuous review to ensure that it meets the nation's changing water needs, was the subject of a recent evaluation under the World Bank/UNDP Sub-Saharan African Hydrological Assessment Programme. A programme of groundwater mapping is underway, and a national map at a scale of 1: 2 500 000 was produced in mid-1995. The aim is to produce a set of 23 maps at a scale of 1: 500 000 to cover the whole country by 1998. Work is in progress to improve techniques for estimating groundwater recharge and aquifer capacity in South Africa's many secondary aquifers. Hydrological data collection and dissemination techniques are under constant review.

Protection of Water Resources, Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems: Recognising that the aquatic environment is the water resource (and not merely a user), a number of resource protection measures have been initiated, inter alia: receiving water quality objectives for non-hazardous substances, and a pollution prevention approach for hazardous substances; publication of water quality guidelines for domestic, agricultural and recreational users, and preparation of guidelines for the freshwater aquatic environment, and the coastal marine environment; groundwater protection measures; a national programme for biomonitoring; a national water conservation campaign to encourage wise and efficient use of water, and to raise awareness of water issues; a revision of water tariff policy and the promotion of an economic approach to water pricing; inclusion in the principles for the new water law of a requirement to allocate water to maintain the ecological functioning of aquatic and associated ecosystems, and a requirement for environmental impact assessments for all water-related developments (currently policy, but not yet legally mandated). Acid drainage problems from mines are considered to be a problem and a strategy together with the Department of Minerals and Energy has been developed to address these problems through the Environment Management Programme (EMP) process.

Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation: Some 12 million people do not currently have access to an adequate supply of potable water, and about 17 million lack basic sanitation. The Department of water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) is orchestrating a major programme, involving water boards, local authorities, the private sector and NGOs, to address this situation. Key features of the programme are: community involvement at all stages from conceptualisation to implementation; training and capacity-building to facilitate communities taking responsibility for operation and maintenance, especially in respect of women; fostering an ethic of payment for services by beneficiaries. About 300 water supply schemes are currently at various stages of development, to serve about 3.4 million people. In the sanitation field a draft national policy was published in mid-1996. A number of pilot projects are underway to investigate inter alia acceptable levels of service, willingness to pay, and appropriate toilet technologies.

Water and Sustainable Urban Development: Payment for services is being actively promoted to support improvements in water services in the historically non-white urban areas. Two other areas of concern are receiving attention in policy and strategy formulation. In respect of the development of temporary settlements in urban areas, the dilemma is to provide levels of service which will safeguard general health and safety until better, permanent sites can be found, but which will not promote the permanence of inappropriately sited settlements. Local authorities are using approaches which suit their particular local circumstances. In a related initiative, the existing national flood management policy is being revised to give guidance on zoning of flood-prone areas. Experience has shown that flood plains which are left vacant after squatters are relocated are rapidly repopulated unless land uses are established which are acceptable to the community, and which can be policed by the community itself.

Water for Sustainable Food Production and Rural Development: The water supply and sanitation programme mentioned above has the supply of water for domestic consumption as its principal focus. Stated agricultural policy now emphasizes inter alia increased support to small-scale farmers, food security at household level, increased rural employment, and sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of natural resources. Some of the water-related

initiatives underway in some rural areas are: establishment of small gardens and vegetable plots, and incorporation into local water supply schemes; water harvesting from roofs for small-scale irrigation; improvement of irrigation efficiency by better management practices, better system and equipment design; integration of soil conservation and rangeland management practices with the development of groundwater sources for livestock watering.

Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources: South Africa's climate is influenced by the ENSO (El Niño/Southern Ocean Oscillation Event) phenomenon, and research at the SA Weather Bureau and a number of universities is concentrating on improving the capability to predict the effect on rainfall of changes in ocean surface temperature. General Circulation Models are being used to predict the effect on rainfall of changes in ocean surface temperature. General Circulation Models are being used to predict the longer term effects of global climate changes, and work is in progress to refine the modeled estimates in respect of rainfall and runoff effects.

The South African chemical industry, through its umbrella body, the Chemical Allied and Industry Association, launched a Responsible Care programme which concerns the environment, health and safety.

South Africa is taking part in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure under the auspices of UNEP and FAO and also in programmes of the International Programme for Chemical Safety (IPCS). Terms of an agreement to participate in the IPCS programmes is currently being finalised.

The Department of Health is responsible for the development, updating and monitoring of regulations regarding the control of hazardous chemical substances in terms of the Hazardous Substances Act (Act 15 of 1973). It also assists in policy development, coordination and monitoring of health aspects regarding hazardous chemical substances. It liaises with other government departments, non-governmental organisations, industries and international organisations with a view to create legislation and programs corresponding to the latest trends and legislation. The Department of Health contributes to the development of the SABS Codes of Practice relating to hazardous substances. Where necessary reference is made to SABS Codes and then integrated into regulations to make the Codes enforceable.

The Department of Health is involved in various activities of the IPCS of the World Health Organisation: INTOX rapid response to poisoning, Prevention of Toxic Exposures and the Programme Advisory Committee.

The classification of agricultural and stock remedies registered under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No 36 of 1947) is the responsibility of the central government. The formulations are classified according to the hazards they pose.

Active participation in the Inter Departmental Advisory Committee for Safeguarding Man Against Poisonous Substances( INDAC) is achieved. This group consists of a wide spectrum of government department representatives and experts with the chairmanship in the Department of Agriculture. INDAC meets twice monthly to discuss the registration and labeling of agricultural and stock remedies (including swimming pool chemicals). In terms of the Health Act (Act 63 of 1977), drinking water treatment chemicals can also be regulated and a formal registration system is implemented to ensure illegal importation and use of these chemicals.

In terms of the current regulations (Environmental Conservation Act No.73 of 1989), waste is not formally classified as hazardous or toxic unless designated by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette. However, waste has in the past been subject to a separation process and the collection, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes and their facilities are distinguishable from those of domestic waste. The "Minimum requirements for the handling and disposal of hazardous waste" was published by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry which gives guidelines on what is regarded as hazardous and how it should be dealt with. The Basel Convention is another document which is used internationally for hazardous waste management.

Cleaner production/technology pilot projects involving toxic substance substitution and life cycle analysis will encourage better management of toxic substances and reduce their occurrence in the waste stream.

The Department of Trade and Industry is fully involved in the negotiations of new chemical conventions such as PIC and POPs.

1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Health and of Agriculture are administrating the Hazardous Substances Act and the Agricultural Stock Remedies Act respectively and are therefore responsible for the control of hazardous chemicals and pesticides including the international traffic in and out of the country.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information

3. Major Groups: No other than those mentioned in (1).

4. Finance: No information

5. Regional/International Cooperation: South Africa is in contact with member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A joint FAO/UNEP - UNITAR workshop on the implementation of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and the Sound Management of Chemicals for Countries of Eastern and Southern Africa was hosted by South Africa.

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was signed in 1994. The latest information was provided to the Basel Convention Secretariat in 1995.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter The Basel Convention came into force in South Africa in August 1994. South Africa has been identified as a host country for a Regional Training Centre for the English speaking countries of Africa. A feasibility study is currently in progress.

Policy and regulations for hazardous waste management have not yet been finalised. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEA&T) is in the process of developing policies and drafting regulations in consultation with interested and affected parties.

Hazardous waste is classified according to the classes in the SABS Code 0228 which uses the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code as its base. The list of hazardous characteristics in the Basel Convention is also taken into account. Hazardous wastes are then hazard rated (Hazard Rating 1 to 4) for disposal, taking into account their acute and chronic toxicity and their environmental fate. This classification also provides a Hazard Rating for transport to implement the cradle to grave principle.

Currently there is no comprehensive legislation for environmental protection which incorporates integrated pollution control. Draft regulations in the form of the Minimum Requirements for Landfill, Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Management and Minimum Requirements for the Monitoring of Waste Management Facilities are the first in a series of guidelines to achieve control over the whole generation cycle from cradle to grave - including generation, transportation, treatment and final disposal. The following points are principles in these guidelines and draft legislation: Precautionary measures; cleaner technology; Polluter pays; Cradle to grave; Duty of care; Continuous monitoring. Environmental health and safety in the workplace (waste facilities) is enforced in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 181 of 1993).

Several national departments administer laws relevant to pollution control and waste management. However, there exists a partnership between the government departments of Water Affairs and Forestry, Health and Environmental Affairs and Tourism for the issuing of permits for Waste Disposal Sites.

Hazardous Waste Sites (H) are classified according to the type of hazardous waste which they are permitted to accept, either the low hazard (Hazard Rating 3 and 4) waste type (h) and higher hazard (Hazard Rating 1 and 2) waste type (H). All of these waste types can be treated and safely disposed of in a landfill if the site is properly managed. Co-disposal of general wastes with hazardous wastes is practised at H sites.

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) initiated a central data base in 1989 consisting of: a registry for all operating and closed sites; types, volumes and site characteristics (WASTEMANAGER); a data base on the producers of hazardous waste and control from generation to disposal (HAZAUDIT); and a data base to enable emergency measures to be applied in case of accidental spillage of toxic materials (HAZBASE).

Mining waste is included, within the definition of hazardous wastes as developed under guidance of DWAF. However it has been agreed that the regulation of mining waste falls with the Department of Minerals and Energy.

The permitting and control of waste disposal (landfills and hazardous waste sites) are a national government competency. The DWAF deals with matters regarding the classification and transboundary movement of waste. The classification of waste has recently been assigned to the Provincial level.

In terms of the current regulations (Environmental Conservation Act No.73 of 1989), waste is not formally classified as hazardous or toxic unless designated by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette. However, waste has in the past been subject to a separation process and the collection, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes and their facilities are distinguishable from those of domestic waste. The "Minimum Requirements for the Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Waste" was published by the DWAF which gives guidelines on what is regarded as hazardous as well as how it should be dealt with.

95% of urban waste is disposed of on landfill sites of which there are about 1200 in South Africa. These sites are mostly run by local authorities. Of the estimated 1200 landfill sites, 214 (18%) are under permit. The permitting of the sites became a legal requirement during 1991.

Little has been done in the past to address waste management in a holistic, environmentally sound manner. Virtually no legislation, regulations, measures and incentives exist with regard to minimisation/reduction, recycling/reuse and incineration of waste. Existing ventures are self regulatory industry driven and recycling of reusable urban waste developed spontaneously because it is a source of income to many a poor family.

The most significant legislation are the Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989), the Water Act (Act 54 of 1956), the Health Act (Act 63 of 1977) and the Hazardous Substances Act (Act 15 of 1973). Environmental health and safety in the workplace (waste facilities) are enforced in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 181 of 1993).

Because of the fragmentation of pollution control functions between the different government departments, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism commenced with an Integrated Pollution Control project during 1993. This project has not yet been finalised since more extensive public participation is sought.

Draft regulations in the form of the Minimum Requirements for Landfill, Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Management and Minimum Requirements for the Monitoring of Waste Management Facilities are the first in a series of guidelines to achieve control over the whole generation cycle from cradle to grave, including generation, transportation, treatment and final disposal.

The departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and of Water Affairs and Forestry recently embarked on the National Waste Management project with the main objective the drafting of implementation strategies for the different aspects within the holistic waste management programme.

The Environment Management Programme Report (EMPR) process for mining in South Africa makes provision for a detailed description of the solid waste management facilities, which may include industrial, domestic and mine residue disposal sites. Waste management at mines are also part of the EMP process. Any impacts on the environmental components have to be mitigated by appropriate environmental management measures, rehabilitation, based on the concept of BATNEEC, and monitored, as spelled out in the environmental management programme for every specific mine. This process ensures the promotion of environmentally sound waste disposal and treatment. The handling of different types of waste is also spelled out in the standard environmental management programmes for various mining and prospecting activities. For this purpose the Department of Minerals and Energy is developing specific guidelines and codes of practice. In principle, however, these guidelines adhere to the same concepts as other appropriate guidelines and policies.

A specific code of practice for mining residues is currently being developed through the SABS. The permitting and control of waste disposal (landfills and hazardous waste sites) are a national government competency. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry deals with matters regarding the classification and transboundary movement of waste. The classification of waste has recently been assigned to the Provincial level. Municipalities and private waste handling companies are currently responsible for sewage-related issues and domestic refuse removal and disposal. The local authorities manage the waste stream according to the guidelines published by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the relevant permits granted to them.

Waste recycling (paper, glass, aluminium cans) is encouraged nationally but there is much room for improvement. The Department of Minerals and Energy has litter abatement projects and paper recycling projects which increase awareness and create jobs. However, the waste stream itself should be addressed. Effective management can be demonstrated through cleaner technology pilot projects and sound environmental management practices.

1. Decision-Making Structure: A variety of national government departments, provincial departments and local authorities are responsible for the sustainable management of solid waste in South Africa.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: It only recently became possible to attend training courses locally and overseas.

3. Major Groups:

4. Finance: Major financial support has been provided by DANCED.

5. Regional/International Cooperation:

At present, low and intermediate level waste is stored at a national facility at Vaalputs (Northern Cape Province) and at the Thabana Waste Facility at the Atomic Energy Corporation's (AEC) nuclear facility (Gauteng Province). High level wastes, i.e. spent nuclear fuel, from Koeberg power station and the AEC safari research nuclear reactor are stored on site at Koeberg and Pelindaba respectively.

The Department of Health is currently responsible for the control of radioactive materials that are used for medical, scientific, agricultural, commercial and industrial purposes. This includes any radioactive waste that may be produced as a result of any of the above processes.

The Council for Nuclear Safety is responsible for the issue of licences for the disposal of radioactive materials used inside nuclear installations as well as mines and minerals processing facilities which handle radioactive substances. Draft guidelines concerning the technical aspects of assessing residual contamination were drawn up. The AEC launched a new business unit, focusing on radiation safety and the decommissioning of radioactive plant, equipment and sites. This business unit, known as PELRAD is geared specifically towards assisting the mining industry in remediating plant sites contaminated with radiation.

A code of practice has been drafted for mine deposits with other key stakeholders and the South African Bureau of Standards. This involves the establishment of an integrated safety and environmental hazard classification/rating for the residue deposits. The code of practice has the potential to facilitate self-regulation and assign minimum standards to the industry.

Representatives from government are also on the Steering Committee of the Atomic Energy Corporation to facilitate the permitting of new and existing facilities and assist with environmental management of radioactive waste activities. This is to ensure that existing environmental problems are addressed, future problems are avoided, and all activities comply with international norms and standards as well as local legislation.

1. Decision-Making Structure: In terms of the Nuclear Energy Act (Act No. 131 of 1993), the Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC) is tasked with the management of nuclear waste, whilst all waste repositories (like at Vaalputs) must be licensed with the Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS). The latter oversees the safety of any such site. However, there is at present no National Radioactive Waste Management Policy. The CNS is nevertheless, as mandated by the Minister for Mineral and Energy Affairs, currently engaged in a process to develop, in cooperation with other role players, such a policy.

Both the CNS and AEC report to the Minister for Mineral and Energy Affairs.

Control of all radioactive waste from medical, scientific, agricultural, commercial and industrial usage (sealed and unsealed material) is strictly enforced along international guidelines as part of a radiation control programme.

Criteria whereby the CNS decides who must apply for a license exist and the decisions are made by CNS.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Government is developing a comprehensive future Radioactive Waste Management Policy.

3. Major Groups: All users of sealed and unsealed radioactive material in medicine, science, agriculture, commerce and industry participate in the management of radioactive wastes.

4. Finance: In terms of the legislation, each producer of nuclear waste is responsible for the financing its operations. Each pays a licence fee to the CNS. However, since the CNS is an independent body in existence only since 1989, some pre-1989 producers of radioactive waste (such as mines) do not fall under the present legislation. Eskom (Koeberg Nuclear Power Station) and the AEC are nevertheless covered under this legislation. While the state finances the regulatory authorities, the principle of "the user must pay" is adhered to with regard to the costs involved with radioactive waste disposal.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: South Africa cooperates fully with IAEA and assists the training of personnel in neighbouring countries.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

No changes were made in national, provincial and regional budgets to address sustainable development.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS: The national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism recently completed a research project on the use of economic instruments to address environmental problems. An assessment of economic instruments and their suitability for environmental management in South Africa was investigated. It is likely that new legislation will be addressed within the next year.

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is currently focusing attention on adjusting the price of bulk water supply. However, no economic instruments have been implemented so far.

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES: All the subsidies in the South African economy that might have a negative impact on the environment have been identified. No actions to eliminate them have been taken as yet.

South Africa is a recipient country of ODA.

Housing Support is necessary to establish a range of financial, institutional, technical and logistical support mechanisms that will enable communities to continually improve their own housing circumstances. Housing Support Centres are in the process of being set up as identifiable bases where beneficiary families may gain access to a serviced site as well as the relevant subsidy package. Here people would also receive training in materials manufacture and basic construction skills, together with the necessary information and advice to enable them to contribute directly to the design and construction of their own homes. Environmentally sound and appropriate technologies including know-how, services, equipment, organisational and managerial skills are provided by the Housing Support Centres.

Provincial departments have created policies which address the need to travel abroad for study tours, conferences or meetings. This is to ensure that capacity building is achieved as well as to strengthen existing networks and build up new information networks. Because of South Africa's geographical location, these types of networks are not always efficient and it has been recognised that Internet and E-mail networking is also of great value. Capacity building is perceived as a major priority by Government, particularly in the field of environment. This is being addressed although no formal policy exists.

The use of Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Cost ( BATNEEC) is considered an essential principle in environmental management.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: The Housing and Urbanisation Information System (HUIS) and the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) are being developed as a response for the need of housing information for planning purposes. HUIS will address the information needs of the Department of Housing and it will also provide information to the total housing sector and the international community. The basis for the HUIS includes the refinement and updating of a database created by the Development Bank for Southern Africa and the Council for Science and Industrial Research. Tenders for the development of a HUIS have been called for.

A 2.5 year capacity building project has been launched in the Gauteng Provincial Government with DANCED which will include training in cleaner production/technology. This project involves, among other things, a study tour to Denmark and Sweden which concentrates on these issues and the implementation there of. Provincial Governments have budgeted for some small pilot projects in this area, the results of which will go towards new national regulatory frameworks.

Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.

The South African Bureau of Standards (a parastatal standard making body) has been involved in the development of the ISO 14000 series. Additionally, the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) was launched recently. This body will accredit certification bodies and environmental certification will become an area of activity in the near future. These SANAS accredited products and services will be recognised throughout the world.

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is currently holding discussions with other National Departments and Provincial Governments to encourage the adoption of the ISO 14000 series. The 2.5 year capacity building project with DANCED will ensure that all environmental management systems are studied and assistance is given to facilitate the use of an environmental management plan for Provincial and Local Governments. The government will take every opportunity to encourage the adoption of ISO 14000 in relevant sectors.

It should also be mentioned that after evaluating EIAs in terms of the Land Development Objectives (LDOs) as specified in the Development Facilitation Act, provincial and local governments require in the conditions to the approval of such development applications, that an Environmental Management System should be incorporated which will promote the consideration of best technology, practice and alternatives into business plans.

List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.

Environmental and sustainable development research is multi disciplinary in character and is being carried out across traditional disciplines.

The proposed science curriculum lays emphasis on science for citizens and orientation towards using science to solve problems in life. "Science for all" is an inclusive and accessible programme embracing principles of gender and racial equity. This is designed to cater to the ten-year compulsory phase education. With this kind of approach, one can be sure of support for scientific knowledge and skills in the prudent management of the environment.

In South Africa there is a lack of appropriate data at the city level. The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) office has set up the National Information Project (NIP) to address this problem. A housing and urbanisation information system (HUIS) is also being set up where information will be collected and accessed by role players at the local, provincial and national levels. This will require regular updating of the data so that comparisons can be made and projects can be more scientifically reviewed. This will lead to a strengthening of the scientific base, an enhancement of scientific understanding, the improvement of long-term scientific assessment and the building up of scientific capacities and capabilities.

The Central Statistical Services (CSS) which is the main statutory collector of information in South Africa is expanding in a response to a greater need for information.

There is a severe lack of scientific expertise in the Provincial Governments. Research is required in the fields of pollution management, in particular air and soil; soil and water remediation; cleaner technology and best practice; mining rehabilitation; radioactive waste recovery, disposal and handling; sustainability indices; energy recovery.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:

The South African National Defence Force has initiated long term monitoring programmes on some of its properties to monitor the environmental impacts of its training activities.

The Gauteng Provincial Government makes provision for the establishment and maintenance of a scientific component tasked with generating scientifically founded information to assist in decision making issues relating to environmental sustainability. They also make provision for scientific surveys aimed at drawing up inventories of the Province's natural resources and caters for the standardisation of reserve biomonitoring programmes. The Gauteng Province is in the process of developing a State of the Environment Report which will give a description and quantification of the most critical environmental issues in Gauteng, including strategic environmental planning (policy formulation and legislation), and environmental indicators.

With regard to teacher education, the attention of the Committee on Teacher Education Policy (COTEP) was drawn to the need for environmental awareness in the curriculum by an influential group of academics and professional educators. COTEP acted on their advice and care was taken to ensure that environmental awareness was built into the proposed norms and standards for teacher education.

As South Africa needs uniform standards for the provision of quality of education and training, a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for providing access to lifelong learning by means of nationally recognized levels will be established. The NQF will introduce an outcome-based approach to learning. Levels will be described in terms of generic outcomes which will underpin all education and training. Specific outcomes will be formulated for fields and contexts. Environmental Education can be such a context.

On 30 July 1996, the Department of Education launched a new national curriculum development process for pre-higher education with a view to have the first learning programmes ready for implementation in schools in 1998. The new curriculum framework as approved by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) comprises eight areas of learning. Although Environmental Education cuts across the whole curriculum, there has to be a nodal point from where it can be coordinated. In view of this it would be advisable to submit a nomination for only one area of learning where a suitable subcommittee could be identified. The possibility of instituting a separate subcommittee for the coordination of the infusion of Environmental Education in suitable carrier subjects could also be considered.

The Environmental Education divisions of the Provincial Environmental Departments are responsible for non-formal and informal environmental education. The goal is to introduce the concept of sustainable development and utilization of natural resources and ultimately to achieve a better environment and quality of life.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development. Environmental education has been included in the White Paper on Education and Training as one of the principles of education (EEPI process). The Environmental Education Curriculum Initiative (EECI) strives to incorporate environmental education in all curricula before 1998. Postgraduate certificates in environmental education are being introduced in universities and colleges for teachers and non-formal educators.

b) Increasing public awareness: The Government has established a national database on environmental education. Environmental awareness campaigns, workshops and environmental competitions are organized annually for all sectors of the community.

c) Promoting training: The Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programme and the new outcomes based approach which views education as a continuous lifelong process should be mentioned here. The Environmental Education section of the Department of Education also focuses strongly on education of its own personnel working in the field. Workshops are also arranged for teachers and groups from all sectors of the community.