1,721,140 research outputs found
Quality and effectiveness of spatial planning related strategic environmental assessment (SEA) within the South African context: a case study
Full text linkhttp://www.puk.ac.za/fakulteite/natuur/soo/ggf/fpr_e.htm
The lion, the ape and the donkey: Cursory observations on the misinterpretaion and misrepresentation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the chronicles of Fuel Retailers
No full textThe evolution of environmental assessment debates: critical perspective from South Africa
No full texthttp://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S146433321000370
The cost of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in South Africa
No full textThe wide adoption of EIA internationally is implicitly or explicitly based on the assumption that the benefits of EIA outweigh the costs. However, there has been surprisingly little empirical research conducted on the "cost" of EIA. The latter has been mostly because of the difficult methodological challenges it presents, which include the difficulties associated with clarifying terminology and disentangling what is meant by "cost". South Africa has been a leading developing country in terms of the introduction of EIA. However, almost a decade of mandatory EIA practice has raised serious questions about unjustified and unnecessary time delays and monetary costs and a desperate need for improved efficiency and effectiveness. In light of the latter the urgent need to gain a better understanding of the "cost" of EIA is evident. This paper presents preliminary results of an empirical study on the "direct EIA cost" in relation to "overall project cost" in South Africa. The data was obtained from a detailed survey of 148 EIAs conducted in the Free State, North West and the Northern Cape Provinces. The research suggests that the average direct cost of EIA within this region of South Africa is particularly low compared to international EIA systems. However, as a percentage of total project cost, EIA in South Africa compares with the higher spectrum of international practice. The latter suggests that within the South African context a large number of EIAs are being conducted for relatively small scale projects and that the main cost burden is placed on small and medium economic enterprise. In conclusion the overall profile of EIA cost in the South African context is described in relation to four broad project categories. To take the debate forward and to allow for regional comparative analysis, it is proposed that the research be expanded to include other provinces
The emperor's new clothes - Reflections on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) practice in South Africa
No full texthttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2007.07.00
The role of innovation and knowledge networks as a policy mechanism towards more resilient peripheral regions
No full textThe potential role of innovation and knowledge networks in regional growth and development is well recognized. However, there has been scant reflection on its role as a policy mechanism, specifically for peripheral regions. In response, this paper investigates the role of innovation and knowledge networks as a policy mechanism towards more resilient peripheral regions. Through a multiple country policy analysis, the paper determines to what extent innovation and knowledge networks are reflected in regional development policies of 17 OECD countries with predominantly rural characteristics. Moreover, the role of innovation and knowledge networks towards more resilient regions is quantified and measured for a specific peripheral region case in South Africa as developing country. The research ultimately concludes that the innovation and knowledge network mechanism of resilience, is dependent both on the extent and the quality of the innovation network within a region. It has been established that the mere presence of infrastructure (passive information communication technology - ICT) cannot specifically be associated with high levels of innovation and technological advantage, but rather a mind-set of change, being open to possibilities and ready for innovation injections (readiness ICT). In establishing a knowledge-rich region informed by both active and passive ICT, but with a pertinent focus on readiness ICT, a region with higher adaptability is established. This results in a peripheral region receptive to change, new technology and innovation. Primary policy actions such as the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), skills training initiatives, centres of expertise, business development, and venture capital will promote innovation and knowledge networks as key actions towards more resilient peripheral region
Walking the sustainability assessment talk — Progressing the practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Full text linkInternationally there is a growing demand for environmental impact assessment (EIA) to move away from its traditional focus towards delivering more sustainable outcomes. South Africa is an example of a country where the EIA system seems to have embraced the concept of sustainability. In this paper we test the existing objectives for EIA in South Africa against sustainability principles and then critique the effectiveness of EIA practice in delivering these objectives. The outcome of the research suggests that notwithstanding a strong and explicit sustainability mandate through policy and legislation, the effectiveness of EIA practice falls far short of what is mandated. This shows that further legislative reform is not required to improve effectiveness but rather a focus on changing the behaviour of individual professionals. We conclude by inviting further debate on what exactly practitioners can do to give effect to sustainability in EIA practice
Performance of environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening in South Africa: a comparative analysis between the 1997 and 2006 EIA regimes
No full textOfficial journal of the Society of South African GeographersBetween September 1997 and March 2006, 43,423 environmental impact assessment (EIA) applications were submitted in South Africa. This exceptionally high number reflects a particular weakness in the ability of the EIA system to effectively screen EIA applications. The 2006 EIA Regulations intended to reduce the number of EIA applications by 20%. This paper presents a comparative analysis of screening performance before and following the 2006 EIA Regulations in order to determine the improvement of screening effectiveness (and hence the EIA process) since the interventions introduced in the 2006 EIA Regulations. Changes in the number of EIA applications as well as the types of activities requiring EIA are analysed. The results show that the average number of EIA applications submitted per month reduced by 27% nationally from 1997 to 2006. Although the 20% reduction target has been achieved, the number of EIA applications remains high compared with international trends and considered against the available administrative capacity. Analysis of the Free State Province also shows that, for both periods, very similar types of activities triggered the majority of EIA applications, with transformation of land, construction of masts and storage of fuel being the most common. To improve EIA screening, it is recommended that the reduction target be reconsidered and that additional screening methods such as environmental management frameworks and norms and standards be implemented.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2011.59226
The performance of environmental impact assessment in the explosives manufacturing industry in South Africa
No full textExplosives manufacture in South Africa is a major component of the chemical and mining industry, and as an important producer of hazardous chemicals it is also a potential contributor to significant environmental impacts. Environmental authorisation of explosives manufacturing activities is based primarily upon the quality of information made available in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), but the quality of EIR for explosives manufacturing projects has never been investigated. A modified version of the Lee and Colley review package was used to determine the EIR quality of a sample of four explosives projects. The findings reveal that the EIRs were of a generally satisfactory quality, but with some areas of weakness that are readily linked to potentially significant environmental impacts, pointing to limitations in the EIA process regarding the production of explosives. Recommendations include improved training of EIA practitioners, the use of quality review checklists and external specialist review, development of guidelines and the use of risk assessment as additional tools to the EIA regulations.http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscinet/jeap
The quality of environmental impact reports for projects with the potential of affecting wetlands in South Africa
No full textIn South Africa certain development activities, which may have a substantial detrimental effect on the environment, require an environmental impact assessment (EIA), including projects with the potential of affecting wetlands. A key element of the EIA process is the submission of an environmental impact report (EIR) for review in order to determine whether the report is adequate and/or whether a greater quantity of information is required before the project can be authorised. The information available to decision-makers in the EIR is a major determinant in the outcome of wetland protection and/or destruction. The quality of 4 environmental impact reports of large projects with the potential of impacting on wetlands was assessed using an EIA report quality review checklist. It is concluded that the quality of the 4 reports was generally satisfactory but certain areas were found to be poorly performed, i.e. identification and evaluation of impacts to the potential detriment of the wetlands for which the EIAs were performed To improve the quality of the reports for projects with the potential of affecting wetlands it is recommended that a quality review checklist be used by EIA practitioners and authorities as an additional tool to the EIA regulations and the integrated environmental management series. This should assist in ensuring that key aspects are addressed before submission to the relevant authority, and will also contribute to establishing a baseline of EIR quality for evaluation of wetlands EIA practice under the new regulations promulgated in 2006.http://search.sabinet.co.za/WebZ/Authorize?sessionid=0&next=ej/ej_content_waters.html&bad=error/authofail.htm
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