A NEW FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Improving municipal capacity and awareness

At the time of initiating the Urban Programme, -environmental management in South African municipalities was fragmented and of low priority.

Ten years ago, environmental inputs into municipal decision making regarding spatial planning, sanitation and pollution of water courses and the ocean was mostly in reaction to crisis events or legislative and regulatory requirements. In general, there was very limited understanding or knowledge of environmental challenges in South African municipalities.

For example, in Buffalo City there was a lack of understanding of issues such as:
• Compliance with relevant environmental legislation and policy
• Pollution of water courses and coastal waters from a wide range of sources
• Alien species infestation
• Threats to local biodiversity
• Coastal resources utilisation
• Urban sprawl

Previously, there was no proactive planning or management in response to the above environmental issues facing the minicipality. Furthermore, the public and other stakeholders had limited, if any information on or know-ledge of the environmental concerns.

Since the initiation of the Urban Programme, environmental capacity and awareness has grown significantly in Sol Plaatje, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City among municipal departments, councillors and other political leaders.

Environmental awareness and capacities is being enhanced among oparationel directorates and departments as well as it includes councillors and other political leaders. The positive development is a result of comprehensive stakeholder engagement processes, which included a number of information gathering and sharing events.

Capacity has improved in all municipalities, particularly in the -following areas:
• Understanding of environmental management and sustainable development principles and concepts
• Awareness of relevant legislation and regulations
• Understanding of local environmental threats and challenges

Moreover, there is also a much greater awareness among citizens and other stakeholders concerning the environmental challenges as a direct result of the Urban Programme. This has mainly been achieved through an extensive consultation and information sharing process.