Broadly defined, hydraulic fracturing is a stimulation technique used in the oil and gas industry to create additional permeability through creating fractures in an unconventional gas reservoir. Desktop estimates predict that shale deposits beneath the semi-desert Karoo region in South Africa could hold a reserve of up to 450 trillion cubic feet. After initially imposing a moratorium on fracturing throughout South Africa, the South African government has recently changed track and is now intent on pursuing hydraulic fracturing and shale gas extraction in the Karoo. Arguably one of the main concerns with regards to hydraulic fracturing in the water scarce Karoo is that the fluids used to fracture rock formations can contain chemical additives that could contaminate scarce water resources and pose a risk to human health. In order to be in a better position to protect the environment and their health, members of the public need access to information on what chemical additives are used in fracturing operations. South Africa's access to information regime is primarily regulated in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 which gives effect to the right to access to information in section 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. There is no guarantee that information on chemical additives will be disclosed or withheld as the Act allows companies to withhold information for a number of reasons, including that the information may constitute a trade secret or confidential commercial or technical information. In June 2015 South Africa adopted the Final Regulations for petroleum exploration and exploitation in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002. The Final Regulations include specific provisions on disclosure on chemical additives. However, the Final Regulations are riddled with uncertainty and loopholes that may seriously impede their ability to protect water resources from the chemical additives contained in fracturing fluids. As currently framed it is unclear whether or not information on chemical additives must be publically disclosed. Some lessons can be learned from regulatory experience in Canada in Alberta and British Columbia, for example the public disclosure of chemical additives on the website www.fracfocus.ca. However, a number of loopholes have undermined the effectiveness of regulation in Canada. The most prominent loophole is the fact that companies frequently withhold information on the chemicals they use on the basis that this information is a trade secret. The dissertation concludes that it cannot be said that South Africa's laws that regulate the disclosure of chemical additives will guarantee that fracturing will occur in a manner that is constituent with the right to an environment that is not detrimental to a person's health and wellbeing.

Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references. / Sand, an important input to the construction industry, is extensively mined from the environment leading to depletion of the resource as well as damage to riparian habitat and the alteration of river beds and banks. Sand mining in South Africa is controlled by a complex regulatory system that can be distilled into three main themes: mineral regulation; environmental regulation; and land use planning regulation. In this thesis, it is hypothesised that sand mining is subject to all three regulatory themes equally. In practice, however, the regulatory system is skewed in favour of mineral regulation with the effect that the latter two themes are effectively ignored by sand miners.

Oil-fouled beaches, dying seabirds and severe economic loss from the closure of fishing grounds and holiday resorts is the picture painted by oil spills, and these consequences often arouse public outrage. Oil spills cause extensive damage to the marine environment and to human society. Indeed, the economic consequences are often extensive, and it is for this reason that the internationalisation of a civil liability regime for oil pollution damage was initially proposed. The first move towards an international civil liability regime came when states which were affected by an unprecedented oil spill made it clear that individual states could not cope alone with these negative effects. The tanker held responsible for the oil spill which has been described as ‘the greatest peace-time menace ever to have confronted Britain’s shores’ was Liberian-registered tanker, the Torrey Canyon About 6 000 nautical miles south of Pollard rock, which was struck by the Torrey Canyon in 1967, lays the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (SA). The route that runs through the Cape of Good Hope is one of the busiest oil tanker routes in the world and this contributes to the large volume of oil traffic in this route. The Cape of Good Hope is also known as the ‘Cape of Storms’ and many vessels have faltered off this hazardous coastline of SA. The 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) to address pollution prevention, the 1969 Intervention Convention to deal with emergency response, the 1969 International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 CLC), and the 1971 International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (1971 Fund convention) were enacted after the Torrey Canyon disaster, once it was clear that the international regime was not sufficient to deal with such an immense oil spill. 8 In addition, and of paramount importance, is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which is known as the “framework” or ”umbrella” convention in the international law of the sea. The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse and compare the International and the South African civil liability regimes on oil pollution damage caused by ships. This comparative analogy will be done with the view of ascertaining whether the legal regime of South Africa (SA) is in line with the international civil liability regime and to ascertain what improvements can be made to SA’s civil liability regime. During this analysis, any inadequacies identified in these regimes will be addressed briefly. South Africa gave effect to the 1969 CLC and the 1971 Fund convention by enacting the Marine Pollution (Control and Civil Liability) Act 6 of 1981 (MPA)(own emphasis). SA, however, only acceded to the 1992 protocols of amendment on 1 October 2005 (own emphasis) and, subsequently, did not implement these amendments domestically. Eight years later, the government finally updated the domestic law by providing for the domestic enactment of the provisions as contained in the 1992 protocols. In December 2013 (own emphasis), the Merchant Shipping (Civil Liability Convention) Act 25 of 2013 (“MSCLC act”), the Merchant Shipping (International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Act 24 of 2013 (“the IOPC act”), the Merchant Shipping (International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Administrations Act 35 of 2013 (“Administrations act”), and the Merchant Shipping (International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Contributions Act 36 of 2013 (“Contributions act”) was enacted by Parliament. This dissertation serves to explore these laws of SA against the backdrop of the relevant international conventions including the UNCLos which provides a general framework. Prior to these amendment laws, SA’s regime was outdated and provided insufficient compensation for a major oil spill. The primary research question of this dissertation is: Is SA’s civil liability regime consistent with, aligned with and adequate in light of, the international civil liability regime? In order to answer the abovementioned research question, this dissertation adopts the following structure: It is divided into five chapters which will follow one another as the civil liability regime is being unpacked and analysed. Chapter 1 contains an introduction, background, and sets out the scope and limits of this topic; It furthermore provides a brief literature review on civil liability to aid in understanding the main topic of this dissertation. In Chapter 2 it will be beneficial to look at the brief history behind the international regulation of marine oil pollution in order to grasp the reasoning behind the existing international regime. Therefore, the international history will first be addressed, and thereafter a comprehensive analysis of the various conventions that make up the international regime will be done. There will also be an indication of certain inadequacies which may be contained therein, before concluding and moving the focus to SA in the next chapter. It will then be of importance to address SA’s liability regime critically. In Chapter 3 the new marine pollution acts are dissected whilst keeping in mind the broad themes that originate in the international conventions. This third chapter also addresses whether the MSCLC act has strengthened the South African regime and whether SA will have access to the compensation funds after the enactment of the IOPC Fund Act. Chapter 4 will accordingly look at the laws of general application in SA with a view of ascertaining how these laws complement the civil liability regime and how reliance on them could improve the South African regime. Furthermore, recommendations will be made with regards to improving SA’s regime. Finally, this dissertation will come to a conclusion in Chapter 5 which will also briefly summarise the findings of the previous chapters.

The coastal zone represents an endemic ecosystem of geomorphic complexity, characterised by its dynamic state of transition and increasing sensitivity. It is widely acknowledged that the environmental complexities and distinctiveness of this area is an attribute matched only be its attractiveness for human settlement and resource utilisation. Viewed through an environmental lens, the proliferation of urban coastal development is, however, diminishing coastal resilience to an extent that is both unsustainable and injudicious. In this context, proper management of the coastal zone necessitates the application of integrated land use planning mechanisms responsive not only to the ecological dynamics of a land-sea interface, but also to the increasing pressures of human use and development activities. This dissertation identified set-back lines or coastal management lines (CMLs) as a regulatory mechanism that essentially conforms to such criterion. South Africa is currently experimenting with implementing the provisions in the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 (NEMICMA), which provides for CMLs as a key tool for promoting integrated coastal management. The aim of this dissertation was to critically review the domestic legal framework and experience to date in implementing this scheme. Owing to the novelty of CMLs in the South African jurisdiction, a reference point or legal backdrop was necessary to critically evaluate the peculiarities and potential of the NEMICMA framework. For this reason, this dissertation undertook a critical and comparative study on the regulation of CMLs in both South Africa and selected Euro- Mediterranean states, namely France, Spain and Greece.

The purpose of this dissertation is to undertake a critical and comparative review of South Africa and Germany's legislation and jurisprudence of relevance to facilitating public interest environmental litigation through the liberalisation of locus standi requirements. The dissertation presents the theoretical framework and explains the origin of public interest litigation and defines the term and its growing impetus in the environmental context. It further examines the term locus standi and the inherent link of public interest litigation with the liberalisation of locus standi requirements. Furthermore, it presents the theory behind the key elements which kind of interest is sufficient to found locus standi, which persons/entities are accorded locus standi, and which procedural issues such as environmental costs relate to locus standi. Regarding South Africa, the dissertation demonstrates how the traditionally restrictive approach regarding locus standi entirely changed with the adoptions of the 1994 Interim and 1996 Final Constitutions and the 1998 NEMA, which have broadly enhanced plaintiffs litigating in the public interest in environmental matters. Apart from the pre-Constitutional context and the current legal framework, it evaluates the new approach with reference to court decisions and how these have addressed the aforementioned key elements influencing locus standi. Regarding Germany, the dissertation examines how its legal system, historically always focused on the protection of individual rights, has been extensively influenced by both international law such as the Aarhus Convention and European Union (EU) law, which have both promoted wider access to courts in environmental litigation. This part also examines both the legal framework and court decisions and the issue of how these court decisions have dealt with the three key elements. While the dissertation concludes that South Africa has liberalised its locus standi requirements in a more consistent manner, it argues that the liberalisation of locus standi requirements has not opened the often-feared floodgates in both jurisdictions. The dissertation presents the specific lessons Germany can learn from South Africa to facilitate public interest environmental litigation. On the one hand, it can learn from South Africa's clear and ambitious legal framework and from its mostly correspondingly progressive court decisions as well, while on the other hand some court decisions do not follow suit. Furthermore, the dissertation also illustrates the significant obstacles to implementing these lessons in Germany. Regarding the range of plaintiffs that are accorded locus standi, it argues that neither international nor EU law have demanded Germany to implement such a wide extension of locus standi requirements as in South Africa. Concerning the kind of interest plaintiffs must show, Germany is under no obligation to give up its focus on the protection of individual rights entirely either. Regarding this issue and the issue of environmental costs, the dissertation concludes that in Germany there is still urgent need for reforms such as properly implementing the Aarhus Convention, though.

The African lion is in danger of rapid population decline and possible extinction in the near future. Two decades ago there was an abundance of African lions, roughly 100 000, on the continent. But at present there are less than 32 000, some even believe there to be as little as 15 000, left. This decline is mainly due to threats arising from habitat loss, retaliatory and traditional killing, the trophy hunting industry and trade related issues. Consequently, African lions are listed as 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. This listing is being contested by commentators who believe that the species now requires an 'endangered' status. African lion populations, and the threats to the species, extend across state boundaries. Therefore, international law is of particular importance in providing conservation and protection measures to the species. Creating conservation obligations at a global level, allows for more uniform action, implementation and enforcement of legislation at regional and local levels. This dissertation looks at each threat to the African lion population in detail. Then, an assessment is made as to whether there is an international legal regime pertaining to each of these threats, and whether that regime is adequate. There has been an increase in arguments that the international legal framework pertaining to the African lion is in fact unacceptable for the protection of the species. This dissertation provides some clarity on the current international and regional legal regime pertaining to the African lion, and addresses both the positive and negative aspects of this regime. Consequently, it is found that the international legal regime for the African lion is ineffective in achieving their protection and survival. Recommendations are made on what needs to change, and the best way forward, through an international legal lens. The security and viability of the African lion is uncertain, and legal protection of the species needs to be clear to start ensuring their survival in the future. African lions are already regionally endangered in some parts of Africa, and the threats to the species are only increasing. Therefore, it is obvious that some legal changes need to be made, to ensure greater protection of the African lion, at an international level.

It is estimated that the eighth largest resource of shale gas reserves in the world is in South Africa. The proposed extraction of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing requires great volumes of water and many hazardous chemicals which also risks water pollution. This can add to water stress because the Karoo is a semi-arid and drought prone region. In this study I will, after taking into account that South Africa receives an average annual rainfall of almost half the international annual rainfall, answer the question on whether the fracking process is a risk worth taking by measuring the process to the underlying principle of sustainable development. The world is faced with challenges in all three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental). More than 1 billion people are still living in extreme poverty, and income inequality within and among many countries has been rising; at the same time, unsustainable consumption and production patterns have resulted in huge economic and social costs and may endanger life on the planet. In this minor dissertation, sustainable development will be defined explained and examined, looking at environmental sustainability as well as an in depth look at the underlying principles of sustainable development, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each. However, because the first step in making sustainable development more concrete is the formulation of legal principles, I will analyse the South African legal framework governing fracking as a process. In this minor dissertation it is found that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages within the three spheres of sustainable development.

Includes bibliographical references. / In South Africa, as with the rest of the world, pollution presents a major threat to the environment and thus to the intimately linked social and economic facets of society. The very notion of sustainability is premised on the inextricability of socio-economic demands and the capacity of the environment to support and sustain such demands. It is trite that without a healthy environment there is no future but if there is a future, then access to ecosystem services in it will become an increasingly critical factor for economic resilience and success. Prevention of pollution is thus of critical importance. The focus of this thesis is on one form of pollution in particular, namely, pollution resulting from petrochemicals leaking from underground storage tanks (“USTs”) situated at fuel retailer outlets and truck stops. These hazardous substances can contaminate nearby groundwater and soil causing a multitude of problems including the contamination and degradation of water and soil in the surrounding areas. Although these tanks constitute potentially devastating environmental hazards, the problem is easily addressed through proper regulation and governance and the adoption of practical guidelines informed by countries with the relevant knowledge and expertise. The South African government has the power to mitigate against and prevent this kind of harm through coordinated policies, integrated management and sound financial planning. In the concluding chapter on this study, recommendations for the drafting and implementation of such measures will be provided.

The earth and its inhabitants face significant environmental challenges. So far, the existing legal attempts have failed to address these challenges. The development of the last decades shows that the state of the environment has steadily worsened. Therefore, it is essential to explore new approaches. The concept of rights of nature offers a new legal perspective for creating a more effective approach to environmental regulation than traditional anthropocentric approaches. Rights of nature form part of a relatively new movement called Earth Jurisprudence which calls for a fundamental rethink of law. The concept of rights of nature requires that nature be accorded its own legal right. In order for rights of nature to be effective, their implementation must consider and overcome several procedural and substantive challenges. This dissertation explains the origins, form and nature of existing domestic rights of nature, and then critically analyses the main procedural and substantive challenges for their effective implementation in domestic legal frameworks. The most crucial procedural constraints are standing and representation of rights of nature whereas the most problematic substantive challenges are to define the scope of the right and to balance rights of nature with other rights. Having unpacked these challenges, the dissertation then explores possible solutions to overcome them. It comes to the conclusion that – amongst others - the key prerequisites for an effective implementation are to establish rights of nature as a constitutional right and to concisely define its content. Finally, the dissertation provides a set of guidelines for effectively implementing rights of nature into a domestic legal regime as well as a proposal for the wording of a rights of nature norm.

By the adoption of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), South Africa has significantly changed its water management regime and the institutions governing water in this country. These changes were first introduced by the National White Policy Paper on Water in South Africa in 1997 and subsequently the National Water Act in 1998. One of the key components of IWRM is the decentralisation of water management to a regional or catchment level and the introduction of public participation in the water management sector. With the enactment of the NWA South Africa incorporated IWRM in its legal system and a decade on, authorities are now turning to its implementation. The NWA introduces Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) in water management and gives them authority over water management at a catchment level. Initially there were nineteen (19) and this number has since been reduced to nine (9) due to a number of factors. South African authorities are now seeking ways in which they can effectively decentralise water to a catchment level, including delegating and assigning some of the functions currently held by the Minster to CMAs. Using Victoria, Australia as a comparative study, this study investigates how water management can best be decentralised to a catchment level; it starts off by investigating the theory of decentralisation and its pros and cons; then sets off to investigate water management has been decentralised in Australia from the national level, to state level and catchment level; it then investigates the role of Rural Water Authorities in Victoria and compares them to Catchment Management Agencies in South Africa. Finally the work highlights the water management regime and the various stakeholders in water management South Africa from a national level to a catchment level and the challenges facing South Africa in term of WRM; and then makes recommendations and a conclusion based on its research findings and the South African socio-economic and political context.