Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989)Part I : Policy for Environmental Conservation2. Determination of policy |
| 1) | Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) the Minister may by notice in the Gazette determine the general policy, including policy with regard to the implementation and application of a convention, treaty or agreement relating to the environment which has been entered into or ratified, or to be entered into or ratified, by the Government of the Republic, to be applied with a view to- |
| a) | the protection of ecological processes, natural systems and the natural beauty as well as the preservation of biotic diversity in the natural environment; |
| b) | the promotion of sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems and the effective application and re-use of natural resources; |
| c) | the protection of the environment against disturbance, deterioration, defacement, poisoning, pollution or destruction as a result of man-made structures, installations, processes or products or human activities; and |
| d) | the establishment and maintenance of acceptable human living environments in accordance with the environmental values and environmental needs of communities; |
| e) | the promotion of the effective management of cultural resources in order to ensure the protection and responsible use thereof; |
| f) | die promotion of environmental education in order to establish an environmentally literate community with a sustainable way of life; |
| g) | the execution and coordination of integrated environmental monitoring programmes. |
| 1A) | The Minister may, in determining the policy under subsection (1), if in the opinion of the Minister it will further the objectives mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g), determine norms and standards to be complied with. |
| 2) | The policy contemplated in subsection (1) shall be determined by the Minister after consultation with- |
| a) | each Minister charged with the administration of any law which in the opinion of the Minister relates to a matter affecting the environment; |
| c) | the competent authority of each province; and |
| d) | the council. |
| 3) | The Minister may at any time, subject to the provisions of subsection (2), by like notice substitute, withdraw or amend the policy determined in terms of subsection (1). |