South Africa is recognised as one of the megadiverse nations of the world. In recent years, the
South African Government has prioritised human needs, without adequately safeguarding the
country’s natural resources. Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet, responsible for
human health, well-being and ultimately, the preservation of the environment. It is the
Government’s responsibility to ensure that processes and policy frameworks recognise the
significance of biodiversity and its role in ensuring a sustainable future for the country while
at the same time ensuring essential services delivery to its people. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the impact of environmental governance on biodiversity management at the local
government level in South Africa. The study was conducted in three Metropolitan
Municipalities in South Africa. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire from officials
of these municipalities. Variables that were assessed include capacity assessment, intergovernmental
relations, budget and biodiversity management. Interviews were conducted with
the Heads of the environmental departments of the municipalities. A review of the defining
national and international environmental law was conducted to evaluate the transformation,
challenges and successes of biodiversity mangement at the local government level in South Africa. The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by local governments in
implementing biodiversity management such as capacity constraints, lack of resources and the
absence of a biodiversity mandate at the local government sphere. Integrating biodiversity
management at the local level will only be possible through more robust policy development,
stronger cooperation and communication among the different levels of government, as well as
enhanced capacity (skills) and resource provision in the municipalities. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/23267 |
| Date | 07 1900 |
| Creators | Naidoo, Santhuri Santhakumari |
| Contributors | Chitakira, Munyaradzi |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (xi, 92 leaves) : color illustrations, color maps |
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