This study examines the need for nature conservation legislation and the enforcement thereof in the Gauteng province. The study commences with an in depth examination of the historical background to nature conservation and nature conservation legislation in order to explain why the present condition exists. Some of the guidelines of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) are considered in this regard as well as fines and penalties that are inadequate as deterrents for contraventions of nature conservation legislation. The necessity of the appointment of provincial departments of environmental affairs and the importance of environmental education as a means to an end are touched on. There is attention given to the economic importance of tourism for the realisation of economic prosperity to the regiol') and how that depends of adequate nature conservation legislation enforcement. The roles that different departments of the state and the private sector and organised pressure groups can play are also identified. An investigation has been conducted into the inner workings of the Gauteng Nature Conservation Directorate with a statistical analysis, sampling and arguments. Local and international case studies have been used as examples for analysis as well as statistics of previous trends. The study ends with conclusions which have been reached followed by recommendations which may be implemented. / Public Administration and Management / Thesis (M. Pub. Admin.)--University of South Africa, 2001. / M. Pub. Admin.

The South African Organic farming industry has indicated a stable increase in the production of organic products from insignificant informal sectors to a fast-growing formal sector. Although there is no documented evidence of the origins of the sector, it can be considered that the formalisation of the organic industry started in 1994 with the formation of Organic Agriculture Association of South Africa (OAASA). The expanding organic food sector is a current organisational change in food demand in South Africa. Therefore, it is becoming vital for food marketers to know consumer needs and demands for food in South Africa, particularly organic food, as consumer preferences sturdily affects the direction of the marketers’ approach, in terms of what is in demand and consumed. Accordingly, this research investigated the factors that influence consumer attitude towards organic food and how consumer attitude influences consumers’ buying intentions. A non-experimental quantitative approach was employed to respond to the purpose and goals determined for the study. A survey was circulated to South African purchasers residing in the Gauteng Province, who were over the age of 18 years and liable for their own domestic food acquisitions. A total of 310 questionnaires were completed, but only 301 responses without errors were utilised for statistical analysis. Data collection was conducted by means of an in-store intercept approach and snowball sampling was applied to supplement the purposive sampling approach to achieve a statistically significant respondent sample. In order to examine and understand the socioeconomic characteristics of the sample and further determine the type of respondents who took part in the research, descriptive statistical analysis was used for this current research. Furthermore, to meet the goals of the research, inferential statistical analysis was used to attain the description view of every recognised variable’s performance of the participants. The findings of this research firstly showed that product quality, subjective norms, health and environmental concerns had a positive influence on consumer attitude towards organic food. The analysis further indicated that health concerns had the strongest influence on the respondents’ attitude for organic food, followed by product quality, then subjective norms. Surprisingly, environmental concerns showed no statistically significant influence on the consumers’ attitudes towards the purchase of organic foods. Secondly, the results showed that the respondents had a favourable and positive attitude for organic food. The participants believed that organic food was higher quality, healthier, safer, fresher and tastier than conventionally grown food. Thirdly, the results showed that even though the respondents considered price as a significant influence when purchasing food, and also considered organic foods to be expensive than conventional food products, they still intended to purchase more organic food. The results further showed that, though some respondents had access to organic food in the retail-stores where they regularly shop, other respondents still expressed difficulty in finding organic food products. However, this does not change their intent to purchase more organic food. Lastly, the results indicated that, although respondents had a great intent to buy organic food, this did not translate into actual purchase behaviour, because actual shopping behaviour of organic food was low, which reiterates the intention-behaviour gap. This means that, although the respondents had a strong intention to purchase organic foods, there are still hurdles which hindered them from making the actual buying of organic foods. The intention-behaviour gap among consumers is mostly triggered by the inaccessibility of organic food products, consumers’ lack of confidence in the trustworthiness of organic food certifications, and the high price of organic food. It is therefore advised that organic food sellers must aim to expand purchasers’ awareness of organic food, in terms of what makes organic food distinctive from non-organic food and the justifications for high prices of these products, so they will be more prepared to buy organic food. Organic food traders and marketers must improve the accessibility of these foods by supplying them where it is convenient for purchasers to buy such products. It is also suggested that the South African government must put in place official certification and inspection programmes for organic food products to improve consumer confidence in certified organic food products. This current research can contribute by adding value to the literature on environmental sustainability in the perspective of a growing economy, specifically South Africa. The research further extends its contribution in assisting organic food producers, operations, sellers, government and regulatory institutions to further understand the factors that influence consumer attitude for organic food and consumers’ buying intentions. This will enable the effective development of organic agricultural programmes (e.g. certification) and improve marketing campaigns that will motivate South Africans to select organic food products. / Life and Consumer Sciences / M. Cons. Sci.

Currently the gold mining industry is taxed differently to other industries. It is taxed on a two-tier system. The nature of the gold mining tax formula encourages the mining of marginal gold ores. Firms that are involved in the mining of gold are subjected to a "tax tunnel", which is a tax free revenue portion. This is against the equity principle of taxation because it separates companies on the basis of what they produce and not on the basis of income generated. The South African government is in the process of implementing a revenue-based royalty system. The majority of firms in the gold mining industry feel that for the benefit of economic growth the government must consider implementing a profit-based royalty system. This study analyses the gold mining tax formula in comparison to the flat rate tax. It also analyses the reasons for the differential treatment of the gold mining industry. / Economics / M.Comm.

Currently the gold mining industry is taxed differently to other industries. It is taxed on a two-tier system. The nature of the gold mining tax formula encourages the mining of marginal gold ores. Firms that are involved in the mining of gold are subjected to a "tax tunnel", which is a tax free revenue portion. This is against the equity principle of taxation because it separates companies on the basis of what they produce and not on the basis of income generated. The South African government is in the process of implementing a revenue-based royalty system. The majority of firms in the gold mining industry feel that for the benefit of economic growth the government must consider implementing a profit-based royalty system. This study analyses the gold mining tax formula in comparison to the flat rate tax. It also analyses the reasons for the differential treatment of the gold mining industry. / Economics / M.Comm.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Masters of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / The current biodiversity and extinction crisis has ignited global concern for human and planetary well-being, culminating in the declaration by the United Nations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. Concomitant with these developments has been the steady ascent of the ecotourism industry, a subset of the travel and tourism industry that holds some promise for the conservation and enhancement of natural areas. A third strand that may be added that weaves them all together for mutual benefit, is the use of interpretation as a communication strategy that enhances the travel experience for the visitor, stimulating interest and enriching their knowledge of local natural resources. This study examines the role of interpretation within one of the largest protected areas in the Durban area, Shongweni Reserve. Rich in faunal and floral diversity, the reserve hosts a range of active and passive recreational pursuits for local and international visitors. This study examines the range of natural, historic and cultural resources within the Shongweni Reserve and then develops appropriate themes for interpretive print material to effectively provoke and stimulate visitor interest in local biodiversity. Print samples were attractively designed to showcase interesting facets of plant and animal wildlife in the reserve. The samples integrated aspects of floral and faunal conservation status together with Zulu cultural use in the narrative and text. Findings from the survey revealed that most visitors were interested in learning more about local biodiversity and found the interpretation material to have a high degree of personal relevance. This has significance in terms of encouraging reserve management to communicate effectively with their visitors using interpretive media as a vehicle and stimulus for biodiversity conservation.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Environmental management is becoming an increasingly popular phrase as businesses, organisations and communities are becoming more environmentally conscious. Conservation areas are under a significant amount of pressure from stakeholders to deliver effective collaboration and co-management strategies. What was previously understood as fragmented and underdeveloped, environmental conservation areas are now moving towards becoming decentralised, self-regulated and holistic in nature. Previously discouraged public involvement has now come to the forefront of government’s focus as public entities can aid in providing promised service delivery to conservation areas. As environmental conservation areas consist of a variety of ecosystems distributed throughout South Africa, this research focuses on three different conservation areas. The aim is to compare different managerial systems across the boundaries of conservation management in the context of international case studies, the South African government, as well as policy mandates already in place in the conservation areas. The purpose of the study is to compare different collaborative approaches by assessing the managerial methods within each of the chosen conservation areas. The overall purpose is to assess the various levels of stakeholder involvement by evaluating the levels of participation between the comanagement areas and stakeholders involved. A biosphere reserve, a water management system, and a land management system were studied. For the biosphere reserve case study, the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve was investigated. The Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Agency was studied for the water management system case study, and the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area was explored for the land management system case study. The methods used within this research comprised of conducting a literature study, as well as conducting interviews with various participants from each of the conservation areas involved. It was discovered that the Cape West Coast biosphere reserve functions as a non-governmental organisation with numerous exchangeable stakeholders. The Breede-Overberg catchment management agency is government orientated with the South African government as the main stakeholder. The Nuwejaars Wetlands special management area was established as being a private organisation with a Land-Owners Association. Research designs used include the evaluation research design and conceptual analysis design. The results of the study showed that conservation areas within South Africa need to implement more co-management, increase awareness within public and organisations’ spheres, increase institutional development, and implement more strategic partnerships in terms of stakeholder engagement with specific focus on private sector engagement. Tourism and sustainable scenario planning have also been proven to increase the benefits of collaboration, cooperation and co-management within each of the three conservation areas. With the emerging trend of environmental sustainability and popularity increasing in conservation, individuals on a global scale have become progressively more aware of the problems facing environmental conservation areas. It is imperative that a conservation area implements strategic collaborative resource management practices which best suit the type of organisation, whether it is state-run, privately run, or a non-governmental organisation. The best possible recommendation found was that it is in a conservation area’s best interest to find the right combination of solutions which work for a specific area instead of trying to implement a new, singular solution. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Besighede, organisasies en gemeenskappe word al meer omgewingsbewus en dus is die bestuur van die omgewing van meer belang. Bewaringsgebiede is onder ʼn beduidende hoeveelheid druk vanaf belanghebbendes om doeltreffende samewerking en mede-bestuur strategieë te lewer. In die verlede was sulke gebiede onder-ontwikkel en gefragmenteer. Bewaringsgebiede is nou besig om in gedesentraliseerde, self-regulerende en holistiese gebiede te word. Voorheen is openbare betrokkenheid ontmoedig, maar die fokus het nou verskuif en die regering se fokus is nou op openbare entiteite wat kan help met die verskaffing van beloofde dienslewering aan bewaringsgebiede. Bewaringsgebiede bestaan uit ʼn verskeidenheid van ekosisteme wat versprei is oor die hele Suid-Afrika. Hierdie navorsingsprojek fokus op drie verskillende bewaringsareas. Die doel hiervan is om verskillende bestuurstelsels te vergelyk oor alle grense van bewaring in die konteks van internasionale gevallestudies, die Suid-Afrikaanse regering sowel as die mandaat van beleid wat reeds in plek is in die bewaringsgebiede. Daar word ook gepoog om die verskillende samewerkende benaderings tot vergelyk te bring deur die beoordeling van die bestuurs-metodes van elk van die gekose bewaringsgebiede. Die oorkoepelende doel is om die verskillende vlakke van belanghebbende betrokkenheid vas te stel, deur die vlakke van betrokkenheid tussen die mede-bestuurs gebiede en belanghebbendes te evalueer. ʼn Biosfeer-reservaat, waterbestuurstelsel en landbestuurstelsel is bestudeer. In die geval van die biosfeer-reservaat gevallestudie is die Kaapse Weskus Biosfeerreservaat ondersoek. Die Breede-Overberg Opvanggebied Bestuursagentskap is vir die waterstelsel gevallestudie bestudeer en die Nuwejaars Vleilande Spesiale Bestuursgebied was as bron vir die landbestuurstelsel gevallestudie gebruik. Die metodes wat toegepas was in hierdie navorsing het bestaan uit die uitvoer van literatuurstudies asook onderhoude, in samewerking met ʼn verkose deelnemer uit elk van die bogenoemde bewaringsgebiede wat betrokke is. Daar is vasgestel dat die Kaapse Weskus Biosfeer-reservaat funksioneer as ʼn nie-regeringsorganisasie met verskeie uitruilbare belanghebbendes. Die Breede-Overberg Opvanggebied Bestuursagentskap is regerings georiënteerd met die Suid-Afrikaanse regering as die vernaamste belanghebbende. Die Nuwejaars Vleilande Spesiale Bestuursgebied is gevestig as ʼn private organisasie met ʼn Land-huiseienaars Vereniging. Die navorsingsontwerpe wat toegepas was, sluit die evaluering van die navorsingsontwerp sowel as ʼn konseptuele analise ontwerp in. Die resultate van die studie dui aan dat die bewaringsgebiede in Suid-Afrika: meer mede-bestuur moet implementeer; bewaringsbewustheid binne die openbare en organisasies se sfere moet vergroot; dat daar ʼn verhoging in institusionele ontwikkeling nodig is en dat die implementering van meer strategiese vennootskappe in terme van betrokkenheid van belanghebbendes met spesifieke fokus op dat private sektor se betrokkenheid nodig is. ʼn Toename in die voordele van samewerking sowel as mede-bestuur binne al drie bewaringsareas kan toegeskryf word aan toerisme en volhoubare scenario-beplanning. Saam met die opkomende tendens van ʼn toename in die populariteit van bewaring sowel as omgewings volhoubaarheid begin individue op ʼn globale skaal meer bewus raak van die probleme wat die omgewings- en bewaringsgebiede in die gesig staar. Dit is noodsaaklik dat bewaringsgebiede strategieë implementeer wat samewerkende bestuur van die hulpbronne wat die beste pas by hulle tipe organisasie, of dit nou onder staatsbeheer is, privaat bestuur word of nieregeringsorganisasies is, bevorder. Die beste moontlike aanbeveling was dat dit in ʼn bewaringsgebied se beste belange is om die regte kombinasie oplossings te vind vir ʼn spesifieke area, eerder as om te probeer om ʼn nuwe, enkelvoud oplossing te implementeer. / National Research Foundation

MaxEnt modelling uses only the known locations of a species to predict the overall distribution of a species. Large trees are important for the functioning of savanna ecosystems, bringing nutrients to the surface, providing shelter to animals and providing a number of ecological functions. Large trees have been identified as declining in density in many southern African reserves, making the conservation of large trees within reserves an issue in park management, such as in Kruger National Park (KNP) and Hluhluwe iMfolzi Parks (HiP). Two species of primary concern are Acacia nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea, which have similar distributions in Southern Africa. Effective management of large trees requires understanding their distribution within reserves and any potential distribution changes. By determining the current locations of a species, and using GIS layers of environmental variables to predict the extent of habitats that could support the species, niche models can predict species distribution. Maximum Entropy techniques evaluate the probability of finding the species in raster squares, with values for environmental factors controlling distribution. For this study, the locations of A. nigrescens and S. birrea trees higher than 5 m were recorded in KNP and HiP, and were used in conjunction with MaxEnt to produce distribution probability maps for both species in each reserve. In HiP, the distribution map was compared with an independent existing data set to determine if the predicted distributions were accurate. The factors effecting their distribution were compared between HiP and KNP to determine why the species were found together in KNP but not in HiP. MaxEnt could predict the locations of the species within HiP, but predictions were better for A. nigrescens than S. birrea. In both Reserves, rainfall was the best predictor of tree location, along with elevation. The niche overlap was higher in KNP, where both species are well within their total species range, than in HiP where A. nigrescens was at the edge of its distribution. These variables that are limiting distribution at a reserve scale will have an influence on the overall distribution of the species. Niche models can be used to inform the establishment of botanical reserves or other management strategies that can help preserve large trees within reserves. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

In this thesis, the researcher has attempted to analyze the full complexities of employing the co-management system in conservation of brown mussels (Perna perna) through the use of the case study areas, namely: Sokhulu in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape (EC) Provinces of South Africa. This study is a comparative approach of 2 coastal areas, Sokhulu, in the northern part of KZN and Coffee Bay near the Wild Coast. Communities currently involved in brown mussel resource management in Sokhulu are part of the joint resource management team. The project, started in 1995 by Dr. Harris of KZN Nature Conservation Services (KZN NCS), has proven to be successful in its mission of ensuring wise use of the brown mussel resources. The Coffee Bay project, which was started in 2000, has no local resource management structures yet in place. The research information was gathered with the assistance of household questionnaire; open-ended interviews; literature review; visual review, and commentaries. Experiences drawn from Sokhulu mussel project in KZN have indicated a need for the establishment of a mussel co-management structure at Coffee Bay for the conservation of the resource, and the well-being of the community. Some recommendations for implementation of a co-management system at Coffee Bay have been made. The recommendations are in line with the efficient conservation strategies and utilization of brown mussel resources and blend the needs of the community of Coffee Bay, sound resource use principles provided by the resource managers, and practical management requirements. The study does not present statistically significant conclusions hence it has been highlighted that there is a need for follow-up studies with respect to co-management concept if one is to understand more fully the processes involved. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The Environmental Justice Networking Forum’s first national conference had three major objectives: to constitute the organisation on a national basis; to make policy recommendations regarding the implementation of the RDP both for submission to government and as a guide to action by EJNFparticipants; to build and disseminate the workof thelDRC/ANC/ COSATU/ SACP/ SANCO International Mission on Environmental Policy (referred to here as the Mission). EJNF was in itiated at the Earthlife Africa International Environment Conference in 1992 at Pietermaritzburg. That conference mandated an interim national steering committee to guide a process of establishing an organised voice within civil society for environmental justice. It stipulated that the organisation should be formed on a regional basis leading up to the national constitution of EJNF at a national conference. The EJNF conference is thus the culmination of a two year process. During that time, meetings were held to establish EJNF in six regions: Gauteng, Northern Transvaal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu- Natal and OFS. Participating organisations include women’s, rural, youth, religious and environmental organisations, unions, civics and service NGOs. Each region sent delegations to the national conference. Two other regions, Eastern Transvaal and Northern Cape, also sent delegations which will form the focus groups for establishing EJNF in those regions. Regional EJNF participant organisations also elected members to the national steering committee. They took office at the constitutive conference. The minutes of the constitutive session of the conference are not included here but are available from the EJNF national office. The EJNF delegates were joined by a number of guest delegates for the conference on Greening the RDP. They included members of national organisations which represent or work with the constitutuencies which EJNF is developing and researchers working in the sectors covered by the conference. Government was represented by Ministers Kader Asmal (Water Affairs) and Derek Hanekom (Land Affairs), by provincial MECs, by members of standing committees in parliament and provincial legislatures andby ministry or department officials.

This study sought opportunities to mitigate the pressures of land transformation and alien invader plants on commercial farm land in the thicket biome in the lower reaches of the Fish Kowie Corridor. It had two aims. Firstly, to determine the role incentives could play in mitigating these pressures. Secondly, to determine the characteristics of an incentive programme that would most effectively achieve this. In order to do this, an understanding of landowner activities, needs, opinions and barriers to behaviour; the nature of the pressures on thicket and the nature of the required behaviour to reduce these pressures; and current and past institutional arrangements needed to be achieved. This was done predominantly through a current literature review and personal interviews with landowners and key informants. These findings were used to make recommendations for an effective incentive programme. Landowners showed a preference towards tangible incentives, in particular management assistance, financial compensation and law enforcement. They indicated an aversion to an incentive programme implemented by a government agency, particularly district and provincial government. Rather, landowners showed a propensity towards a nongovernment organisation (NGO) or a farmers group implementing an incentive programme. It was recommended that the two major pressures, namely land transformation and alien invader plants, required different interventions by different agencies in order to be mitigated. The pressure of land transformation required a stewardship model response, with the primary drive being a non-contractual environmental extension service to landowners. The extension service should focus on promoting pro-conservation practises, raising awareness and disseminating information. It should also build a relationship of trust between landowners and the implementing agency. The pressure of alien invader plants would be most effectively addressed through the Working for Water programme. Tangible incentives must be provided to the landowner to induce the costly exercise of alien invader plant control. In particular, the high cost of labour must be addressed. The regulatory incentive of applying laws requiring landowners to control alien invader plants on their land should also be enforced.