Land is a non-renewable and finite resource which comprises a variety of ecosystems that support biological diversity and provide food, shelter and raw materials to society. With a multitude of land uses competing for this precious resource, the land is becoming fragmented, altered and transformed. Land transformation has been acknowledged as a key contributor to the degradation of the environment and has serious implications for poverty, food security and biodiversity. This research focuses on land use changes within the uMngeni and Mpofana municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. The main objectives were to critically review Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decisions and document those EIAs received and finalised over the period 1999 – 2010, spatially define the location of decided EIAs, determine the types of EIA decisions issued, characterise the type and extent of land uses, describe patterns of land use change and identify the key factors responsible for changes in land use. During the research period a total of 337 EIA applications were received and 332 EIA applications were completed in the uMngeni Municipality and 182 EIA applications were received and 178 completed in the Mpofana Municipality. The types of EIA decisions issued consist of Records of Decisions, Environmental Authorisations, Exemptions, Withdrawals and Commencements. The key classes of land use changes that have occurred in uMngeni Municipality are Agriculture to Residential, whilst within the Mpofana Municipality the predominant land use change occurred within the Agricultural land use category. For both municipalities the Agriculture to Residential land use category experienced the greatest extent in land use change. In authorising EIA applications, the predominant key decision factors were based on the comments from Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife and Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali. In refusing EIA decisions the findings of various specialist studies, incompatible land uses and land use planning initiatives were the predominant key decision factors. The conclusions are that agricultural land is being transformed for use as nonagricultural activities specifically that of residential use. The recommendations include the need for accurate record keeping of data and information pertaining to EIAs and the integration of spatial planning tools and initiatives including Geographical Information Systems in the review of EIAs to improve decision making. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

This paper reviews environmental impact assessment (EIA) policy and practice in Eritrea against a set of evaluation criteria. These include: institutional aspects of the EIA system (policy development, legal basis for EIA, institutional strength and responsibilities for EIA administration, and resources adequacy); the EIA process (screening, scoping, EIA study, documentation, review, decision-making, and monitoring and auditing); and other features of the EIA system (coverage, consideration of alternatives, public consultation and participation, system monitoring, the cost and benefit of EIA system and strategic environmental assessment (SEA)). To assess the extent of EIA practice, the EIA report review criteria developed by the Impact Assessment Unit (IAD) of Oxford Brookes University were used to review case studies of two sectoral EIA reports: the Massawa International Airport Project and the Keren Water Supply Project. Additionally, a literature review was undertaken and interviews with different stakeholders were conducted to collect the required information. The review indicated that, in principle and at a policy level, the current EIA system in Eritrea meets ten of the 17 evaluation criteria, partially meets three and fails to meet four. The major weakness relates to the legal provisions for EIA;. adequacy of resources (human and environmental data/information); centrality of EIA findings in decision making; and the formal provision for SEA for programmes, plans and policies. In practice, however, the overall EIA system in the country is weakly established. Thus, to strengthen the current EIA system in the country increased environmental awareness, continuous training in EIA for government officials, consultants, and research and educational institutions is required. Most importantly, revision and subsequent proclamation of the draft legislation is required to provide a sound legal basis for EIA in Eritrea. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, 2003.

This dissertation focussed on the Mvoti River system in KwaZulu-Natal, an important resource for the numerous towns and villages along its course. Catchment activities are varied with agriculture being the predominant activity, and industrial activities common in the lower catchment. The Mvoti River is intensively utilized, especially in its lower reaches, to the extent that it is referred to as a ‘working river’. Modifications of the chemical and physical characteristics of the system, and consequently the biological characteristics, have led to degradation of the system such that the functioning of the lower river has deteriorated in comparison to that of its pre-disturbance condition. There are three main aspects of the Mvoti system around which this dissertation is based, namely, water quality, geochemistry, and conservation of the system. The results of the water quality survey of the estuary revealed that the system is presently experiencing water which is of an inferior quality. Compared against the South African water quality standards, a majority of the parameters exceed acceptable limits and are likely to present negative impacts on aquatic health and potentially human health. Comparison of current results, and water quality data for the system dating back to 1964, revealed that this degradation is not new to the system, and the Mvoti Estuary has in fact been experiencing continued deterioration over the years. The second part of this study investigated heavy metal presence in the sediments of the lower system and elemental presence and distribution in the surface sediments of the middle and lower River respectively. Results indicated that even though selected heavy metals are present, they are of concentrations lower than those of two other South African and two other international systems they were compared with. Enrichment and contamination assessments reveal that contaminants are in all probability present as a result of anthropogenic sources. However, distribution patterns which show highest levels just after effluent disposal sites suggest that the contamination is presumably human-induced and, the predominance of larger grained sediments that do not have high adsorption capacities, suggest that contaminants are readily remobilized into the water column. The final part of this research investigates other environmental problems, and causes, both natural and anthropogenic, experienced by the estuary system. These stresses include poor water quality, reduced water quantity, sedimentation, alien vegetation invasions and loss of biodiversity. Strategies to address these issues are proposed, with the intention of improving the condition of the estuary. This is an attempt at ecological restoration, to restore the estuary to a condition as close to as possible, to its pre-disturbance condition. These strategies include controlling abstraction and discharge, eradicating alien vegetation, controlling sandmining, and improving the overall quality of the system. Also proposed is an estuary management plan (EMP) for the Mvoti system, as there is currently no plan of such a nature in place. The EMP will aid restoration attempts, increase public awareness, and via post-project monitoring and evaluation ensure the success and sustainability of any future projects. Significantly, the adoption of an EMP will be a major step towards the rehabilitation, conservation and protection of this already degraded system. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has become common as the world realise that the environment has to be managed well for sustenance of life on the planet. As the EIA has now become a sine qua non in the management of the environment, the issue is how to ensure that it is best employed to achieve the desired results. There are various approaches that countries have used in their EIA processes, but it appears that the most efficient application emanates from having a legal basis for its use. The two countries which are subjects of this study, Lesotho and South Africa, have been chosen primarily because of their geographic proximity to each other, which factor often exposes them to similar environmental experiences. Their response to such environmental challenges then becomes important. This study concentrates on statutory enactments in terms of the EIA processes by the two countries. Their EIA regimes are compared and contrasted. This is done against the background of what is considered the best international EIA practice. It is revealed that the two countries are not at par in their use of and experience with the EIA process. While Lesotho is encouraged to enrich its new practise from South African experiences with the EIA, South Africa too has some way to go towards the best EIA practice. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) is a more holistic assessment method that has emerged in the wake of experts recognising that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has a tendency to be a site –project specific process, which frequently lacks the capacity to assess multiple development actions within a region (Canter, 1997). Although CEA is part of environmental policy for many countries, including South Africa, research has revealed that CEA is often poorly applied and in many cases ignored (DEA, 2004;Canter and Ross, 2008).One possible solution to enhancing CEA, within the study area, is for the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal (DAEA), the agency ultimately responsible for assessing the effects of development, to adopt a participatory approach with the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). This study explores the potential for KwaZulu Natal DAEA, and the associated members responsible for assessing the effects of development, to enhance CEA by engaging with the multi stakeholder Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) processes, in the institutional engagement space provided by the Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The rational for the DAEA adopting such an approach to enhancing CEA, in addition to the linkages between land and water, the linkages between DAEA and DWA's responsibilities and the opportunity for engagement, is that the theses forums encompass all the major stakeholder groupings within the region. This in conjunction with the DAEA's participatory policy would provide the ideal opportunity for DAEA members, involved in CEA, to reap the benefits of participation in enhancing CEA. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential to enhance CEA through participation between the DAEA, the DWA and the multi-stakeholder IWRM processes in the CMA engagement space. In particular the research has the objectives of firstly gaining an understanding of the barriers to such an opportunity and secondly exploring what stakeholders perceived as potential initiatives that could be established to overcome the barriers. The methods of investigation were primarily semi structured interviews. These interviews were conducted with seven staff members from the local chapter of the DEA, The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal (DAEA). Due to the limited number of DAEA members within Pietermaritzburg region staff from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who deal with CEA under the auspices of the DAEA were also included. Further data sources included an extensive review of the relevant literature. Based on an analysis of the information gathered in the above mentioned manner, it was concluded that the current application of CEA is poor within the study area and participation between the DAEA and the DWA, although promoted in accordance with policy, was subject to barriers, many of them physiological, which severely hinder the process. It was also concluded that barriers to participation were preventing DAEA employees from recognising the full potential of the opportunity to engage with the established IWRM process in the CMA engagement space as a means to enhance CEA. Despite the many apparent barriers the majority of stakeholders did recognise the linkages between land and water, the linkages between the DAEA and the DWA and the value of what effective participation could mean for enhancing CEA. DAEA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employees did however not seem to acknowledge the true potential to enhance CEA by participating with the DWA as they were not taking advantage of the opportunity. Stakeholders did however suggested, that a dramatic change in attitude and mind set towards the way participation was approached was needed from all sectors and that the DAEA needs to acknowledge and take advantage of such opportunity to enhance CEA. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Sustainable development requires the integration of ecological and social concerns into economic activities. Recent trends in environmental impact assessment (EIA) suggest the eventual use of the EIA process to link socio-environmental attributes with economic decision-making thus allowing for the transition towards a sustainable future. / This thesis is an examination of the proposed Federal Environmental Impact Assessment Act of Canada and the extent to which its provisions seek to ensure a move towards sustainable development.

This thesis examines the social and environmental impacts that have resulted from the construction and operation of the Channel Tunnel. Nord-Pas de Calais, Kent, France, Britain and Europe were all affected through the establishment of the Channel Tunnel. Three sections make up the body of this thesis: i. context and theory ii. social, environmental and economic impacts associated with the construction and operation of the tunnel iii. acknowledgement of the impacts that this development has had on the European Union. This study draws from an extensive body of literature in identifying and examining the issues that preceded and followed this development. The social and environmental impacts associated with public opposition, environmental impacts, land possession, soil disposal, environmental disturbance, water pollution, noise disturbance, energy consumption, water contamination, fire safety and asylum seekers remain the principal discussion points identifiable throughout this piece. These issues are largely concentrated on the areas of Nord-Pas de Calais and Kent, although they are infiltrating the wider European Union in a number of ways. The social and environmental impact assessments conducted prior to the construction of the of the Channel Tunnel proved to be tools that helped ensure that the bodies driving the development were made accountable for the impacts that arose. These processes also facilitated public involvement through public consultation in the development of social and environmental impact assessment. Early identification and recognition of the social and environmental issues identified by these reports led to a more comprehensive approach to project design, construction and operation.

Turistnäringen växer vilket innebär en ökad miljöpåverkan och resursåtgång. Samtidigt är en välmående miljö en viktig faktor för många aktörer inom branschen. Många logiverksamheter vill dock visa att de tar sitt ansvar genom att aktivt försöka minska sin miljöpåverkan. Som hjälp för att visa upp detta engagemang finns idag en rad olika miljömärkningar. Syftet med denna studie är att ta reda på motiven bakom att små logiverksamheter i Sverige väljer att miljömärka sig respektive att inte göra det, samt att få en djupare förståelse för dessa motiv. Studien tar också upp vilka möjligheter till miljömärkning som finns och vad de innebär. Studien är baserad på kvalitativa forskningsintervjuer och litteraturstudier. Respondenterna i studien är 6 st små logiverksamheter. Ett bed & breakfast, två hotell, ett vandrarhem och två pensionat. Tre av verksamheterna innehar miljömärkning. De tre andra har ingen miljömärkning, men två av dessa kommunicerar aktivt sitt miljöarbete. Miljömärkningar som fokuseras på i studien är Svanen, Green Key, EU-blomman och Naturens Bästa. Studien visar att en miljömärkning fungerar både som ett marknadsföringsverktyg och miljöledningssystem för logiverksamheter. Fördelar i marknadsföring, bättre koll på miljöarbetet, nya idéer och personligt engagemang har kommit fram i studien som motiv till att miljömärka. Motiv till att inte miljömärka är enligt studien tidsåtgång, stor kostnad och okunskap om möjligheterna till miljömärkning. Det har även framkommit att miljömärkningarna inte alltid är anpassade för mindre logiverksamheter. Respondenterna i studien anser att en miljömärkning har inneburit eller skulle innebära en liten eller obefintlig minskning av deras logiverksamheters miljöpåverkan. Ingen slutsats har dragits angående miljömärkningars effekt på logiverksamheters miljöpåverkan. / The tourism industry is growing which means an increased impact on the environment and an increased resource use. At the same time a healthy environment is of significant importance for many operators within the tourism industry. Many lodging operations want to put on display that they are responsible and that they are doing improvements to decrease their environmental impact. A number of ecolabels are available to help them do so. The purpose of this study is to learn the motives behind why small lodging operations in Sweden choose to put an ecolabel on their companies, or the motives behind why they choose not to. The study also includes research about what ecolabel opportunities small lodging operations in Sweden have and what they mean. The study is based on qualitative research interviews and literature studies. The respondents are six small lodging operations. One Bed & Breakfast, two hotels, one hostel and two guesthouses. Three of the companies are ecolabelled, the other three are not. Ecolabels that are focused on in the study are Svanen (Nordic Ecolabel), Green Key, EU-blomman (EU Eco label) and Naturens Bästa (Nature's Best). The study shows that an ecolabel works as both a marketing tool and an environmental management system for lodging operations. The study also indicates that reasons to get an ecolabel are marketing gains, better track of the environmental work, new ideas and personal commitment. Motives behind not putting an ecolabel on the lodging operation have in the study shown to be the cost, expenditure of time and unawareness of the ecolabel opportunities. It has also been mentioned that the ecolabels are not always suitable for the smaller lodging operations. The respondents considers that an ecolabel has meant or would mean a small or no decrease of the environmental impact of their lodging operation. No conclusion has been reached regarding ecolabels effect on lodging operations' environmental impact.

With the growing awareness and urgency of sustainable business behavior, conducting environmental impact assessments is an important tool for companies to evaluate their impacts. However, the assessment tool has received critique over the last years, and seems not to accomplish its goal to assure a sustainable development and use of the environment. In this thesis, the possibility of integrating the concept of ecosystem services in an environmental impact assessment is investigated. The aim of this study was to create a theoretical framework that facilitates the decision making process of impact assessments with the dimension of ecosystem services. This research is based on an empirical analysis surrounding the environmental assessment of the Bunge Area on Gotland, Sweden by the Finnish mining company Nordkalk AB, together with the legal decision making process that derived from it. The theoretical framework was tested upon applicability, and resulted into providing information concerning the integration of ecosystem services on the environmental impact assessment.

I denna studie är syftet att undersöka och analysera personer som haft ett alkohol- och/eller narkotikaberoende, när det gäller deras uppfattning och upplevelse av omgivningens syn på dem och deras dåvarande missbruk. Vidare vill vi belysa och analysera om och i så fall på vilket sätt denna syn påverkat dem, i förhållande till deras missbruk. För att besvara syftet har följande frågeställningar använts: Hur upplever människor som har haft ett alkohol- och/eller narkotikaberoende att deras omgivning såg på dem och deras dåvarande missbruk? Vad var det avgörande för att dessa människor tog sig ur sitt beroende? Hur kan detta förstås ur ett stigmatiseringsperspektiv? Idag hävdar många att problemet med alkohol- och narkotikamissbruk inte är själva drogerna i sig utan att alltfler människor lever under ett negativt samhälleligt tryck. Via stämpling skapar detta tryck personliga besvär såsom ångest, självdestruktivitet och dålig självbild. Detta leder till ett vidare normstridigt beteende, som i sin tur leder till ytterligare stämplingsreaktioner. Dessa reaktioner förstärker problemen och resulterar i att människor försätts i en negativ och avvikande spiral. Rapporten vilar på en kvalitativ ansats med fenomenologi som vetenskapsteoretisk utgångspunkt. Vi söker alltså inte att förklara det sociala fenomen som undersöks utan snarare förstå det. Studiens datainsamlingsmetod var en kombination av halvstrukturerade och narrativa intervjuer. För att analysera vår insamlade data använde vi oss av meningsanalys som lägger fokus vid meningen samt betydelsen av våra egna antaganden och tolkningar. Vi har därmed blivit medskapare av intervjuernas och texternas mening. Resultatet av studien visar att människor med alkohol- och narkotikamissbruk kan uppleva att omgivningens syn på dem har betydelse för deras avvikande beteende.  Det visar också att dessa människor har blivit stämplade av andra och att de därför har en dålig självbild. Vidare visar resultatet att gemenskap är en förutsättning för att människor med alkohol- och narkotikamissbruk ska kunna förbättra sin självbild, ta sig ur sitt missbruk och fortsätta leva ett drogfritt liv / In this study, the purpose is to examine and analyze the experiences of people who have had an alcohol and/or drug addiction. What are their perception and experience of the social environment’s views on them and their abuse? Further, it is to highlight and discuss if and how these attitudes affects them. To answer that, the following questions have been used: How do people who have had an alcohol and/or drug addiction experience the way people in their surrounding look at them and their abuse? What was crucial for these people when it comes to get out of their addiction? How can this be understood from a stigma perspective? Today, many claims that the problem of alcohol and drug abuse is not just the drugs, but that an increasing amount of people are living under negative social pressure. Via stigmatization this creates personal inconveniences such as anxiety, self-destructiveness and a poor selfimage. This leads to an even more developed conflict according to traditional norms and behaviors, which in turn leads to further stigma reactions. These reactions strengthens the problems and results in an even more negative and deviant spiral. The investigastion has a qualitative design based on an phenomenological approach. The method for data collection is a combination of semi-structured and narrative interviews. To analyze our empirical results, we use the method of purpose analysis which focuses on the meaning and importance of ur own assumptions and interpretations. We have thus become co-creators of the interviews and the meaning of the texts. The result of the study shows that people with alcohol and drug addiction may feel that negative views on them have an impact for their continued deviant behavior. It also shows that these people have been stigmatized by others and that they therefore have a poor selfimage. Furthermore, the result shows that fellowship is a prerequisite for the possibility of people with alcohol and drug addiction to improve their self-image, to be able to abandon their addiction and continue to live a life without drugs