Section: Environmental Management
Overview
Environmental Management can be defined as “the management of the interaction and impact of human activities on the natural environment”. Environmental management aims to ensure that the environment is protected and maintained for equitable use by future generations. Our core function is to identify the factors that have a stake in the conflicts that may rise between meeting the needs of our current community while protecting the ecosystem services for the benefit of future communities.
The Constitution (1996) is the cornerstone of environmental protection. Section 24 of the Constitution comprises two components, namely ensuring an individual’s right to an environment that will not harm his or her health or well-being; and imposition of the constitutional duty on local government to secure the rights of its people through reasonable measures either by enacting legislation or by other means.
The Environmental Management section of Drakenstein Municipality is a section within the Planning and Development Department.
To give effect to the Constitution, the Environmental Management section comprises of three sub-sections, namely:
• Natural Resource Management
• Environmental Management Systems, Monitoring and Compliance & Enforcement
• Planning and Sustainability
Natural Resource Management sub-section
Drakenstein Municipality is located within the Cape Floral Region, one of the 6 plant kingdoms in the world. Much of the original natural habitat in the Municipality has been converted for agricultural, residential or urban use. In addition, alien invasive plants have led, and is continuing to lead, to significant loss of biodiversity and transformation of ecosystems. Of the 19 terrestrial vegetation types found here, 8 are Critically Endangered and 3 are vulnerable vegetation types. The little natural habitat that remains within the urban areas of the Municipality is highly fragmented, and is classified as either Critically Endangered or Vulnerable. These remaining natural areas, which include rivers/watercourses, provide habitat and permit movement for a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. In order to achieve our national conservation targets, every remaining patch (or most) of the remaining vegetation in these categories must be conserved.
What we do:
Our role, as the Natural Resource Management Section, is to plan and manage the conservation and restoration of the remainder of this unique biodiversity within Drakenstein Municipality.
To give effect to our function we undertake the following:
• Conservation planning;
• River corridor (including riparian area) planning and management;
• Invasive alien species management planning; and
• Environmental awareness and education.
EMS, Monitoring & Compliance sub-section
Over the last few years a number of laws focusing on environmental issues have been developed, primarily the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA). NEMA is a framework law that, amongst other things, is the origin of the enforcement and compliance mandate of the environmental management inspectorate (EMI). The EMI is a network of environmental enforcement officials from all 3 spheres of government. Section 28 of NEMA also imposes a general duty of care for the environment, i.e. every person has the duty to avoid pollution and environmental degradation. In addition, there are a number of other pieces of environmental legislation falling under the NEMA framework legislation, with environmental management aspects that span all 3 spheres of government.
What we do:
This sub-section’s function is to assist the municipality to comply with these environmental laws, regulations, policies, by-laws, standards and procedures. In addition, we undertake civil and criminal environmental law enforcement in conjunction with the relevant competent authorities and respond to complaints related to environmental impacts. We also create awareness about environmental rights and contraventions.
To give effect to our function, the Monitoring and Compliance Section undertake the following:
• Compliance management, monitoring and reporting;
• Management and reporting of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Section 30 incidents (emergency incidents);
• Air quality management;
• Environmental noise control management; and
• Education and awareness on environmental rights and contraventions
Planning and Sustainability sub-section
Drakenstein Municipality is situated within a unique and diverse environment, that offers substantial benefits in terms of the ecosystem goods and services it provides. However, the municipality faces a number of environmental challenges related to urbanisation and climate change.
What we do:
This sub-section aims to address these challenges by mainstreaming sustainability throughout all sectors of the Municipality. This is done by helping the Municipality to embrace and implement a clear environmental policy and strategy. We also promote integrated environmental management by ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into all stages of the development and decision-making process. We are also responsible for facilitating environmental impact prevention and mitigation in order to promote sustainable development and a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.
To give effect to our function, the Planning and Sustainability Section undertake the following:
• Planning and coordination of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Environmental reporting
• Comment on development applications
• Manage the Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
• Oversee key partnerships
• Manage and coordinate departmental projects
Contact details
Planning and sustainability
Lauren King
Tel: 021 807 4841
Email: Lauren.King@drakenstein.gov.za
EMS Monitoring and Compliance
Shaun Reece
Tel: 021 807 4833
Email: Shaun.Reece@drakenstein.gov.za
Natural Resource Management
Margaou Prins
Tel: 021 807 4861
Email: Margaou.Prins@drakenstein.gov.za
Environmental Management
Cindy Winter: Manager Environmental Management
Tel: 021 807 4731
Email: Cindy.Winter@drakenstein.gov.za
Documents
National Environmental Management Act
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
Drakenstein Environmental Policy
Environmental Management Framework
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Air Quality Management Plan
