Name the environmental legislation/regulations/mechanisms(applicable to South Africa) that exercised by the different levels of government
Environmental legislation, regulations, and mechanisms applicable to South Africa exercised by the different levels of government are as follows:
1. National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) - This act is administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs and regulates the management of environmental resources in South Africa.
2. National Water Act (NWA) - The Department of Water and Sanitation is responsible for administering this act, which regulates water resources in South Africa.
3. National Energy Regulator Act (NERA) - This act regulates the production, distribution, and consumption of energy in South Africa and is administered by the Department of Energy.
4. Marine Living Resource Act (MLRA) - The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries administer this act, which regulates the use of marine resources in South Africa.
5. Air Quality Act (AQA) - This act is administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs and regulates air pollution in South Africa.
6. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) - The Department of Mineral Resources is responsible for this act, which regulates the extraction and use of mineral and petroleum resources in South Africa.
7. Biodiversity Act (NBA) - This act is administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs and regulates the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in South Africa.
8. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (EIA) - These regulations are administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs and require an environmental impact assessment before undertaking certain activities that may have significant environmental impacts.
9. Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICMA) - The Department of Environmental Affairs administers this act, which regulates the management of coastal resources in South Africa.
10. National Climate Change Response Policy - This policy is administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs and aims to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change in South Africa.
In South Africa, environmental legislation, regulations, and mechanisms are exercised by different levels of government. Here are some key examples:
1. National Level:
a. National Environmental Management Act (NEMA): This legislation establishes the framework for environmental planning, management, and governance at the national level.
b. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA): This act focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, including protected areas and species.
c. National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA): This act regulates air quality management, emissions, and related issues.
2. Provincial Level:
a. Provincial Environmental Conservation Acts: Each province in South Africa has its own environmental legislation and regulations that supplement national legislation.
b. Provincial Departments of Environmental Affairs: These departments are responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental legislation at the provincial level.
3. Local Level:
a. Municipal By-laws: Local municipalities have the authority to enact and enforce by-laws related to environmental issues, such as waste management, noise control, and land use.
b. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Municipalities are responsible for assessing and approving development projects through the EIA process, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are other legislation, regulations, and mechanisms at different levels of government in South Africa that address specific environmental issues and concerns.