Green Paper on the National Environmental Policy for SA. (28 October, 1996)

The Green Paper on the National Environmental Policy for South Africa was released on 28 October 1996. At present there is no comprehensive environmental policy that reflects the view of the country's new democratic Government. As a result environmental concerns are not adequately taken into account in many important areas of policy and government administration. The Green Paper emphasises the need for South Africa to have a clear vision of how sustainable development should be going in this country. It is aimed at initiating a broad framework for an integrated and holistic approach to environmental management in all areas of government.

Some of the essential elements of the Green Paper are: - main environmental issues in the country that must be addressed by the policy; - principles to assist in applying, developing and testing policy and actions including decision-making, legislation and regulation; - suggested objectives to address major issues facing environmental management and the sustainable use of resources; - proposals for institutional structures and regulatory mechanisms. The Green Paper emphasises that these structures must meet the requirements of good governance and must be effective in implementing policy.

The Green Paper is intended to stimulate discussion that will assist Government in arriving at a national environmental policy for South Africa. The Environmental Policy will prioritise Government's approach towards environmental management and actions to implement this approach. It must promote equitable access to resources and services and build institutional and community capacity for participation in securing more effective environmental management and sustainable use of resources.

Comments are requested from all South Africans, and must be submitted before 17 January 1997 to the CONNEPP SECRETARIAT, PO Box 477, WITS 2050. Fax (011) 339-2382. A copy of the Green Paper can be obtained from Alet Viljoen at tel (012) 310-3669. Own correspondent.