Pretoria - Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has invited the public to comment on the prescribed norms and standards for the management of protected areas in South Africa.
The minister published the prescribed norms and standards in the Government Gazette of 7 July 2014, under section 11 (1) of the National Environment Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).
The norms and standards were developed with the objective of effecting a national system of protected areas in the country as part of a strategy to manage and conserve biodiversity.
It also aims to promote the sustainable use of protected areas for the benefit of people in a manner that would preserve the ecological character.
The proposals include effective law enforcement and an environmental education, awareness and a communication programme as well as a management plan, among others.
The Department of Environmental Affairs developed the norms over the past two years in collaboration with stakeholders for the management and development of protected areas, as prescribed in Section 11 of the National Environment Management: Protected Areas Act.
According to Section 11 of the act, the minister may prescribe the norms and standards for the achievement of any of the objectives of the act.
Currently, there are 17 norms and standards for the management of protected areas. The department, however, anticipates that additional norms may be required at a later stage.
“The norms and standards focus on the relative importance of the protected areas, their objectives, boundary demarcation, law enforcement and financial management, amongst other things,” said the department.
Written comments to the minister have to be made within 30 days of the publication in the gazette.
Comments can be sent by post at :
The Director – General
Department of Environmental Affairs
Attention: Dr G Cowan
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001
Comments can also be hand delivered to: 2nd Floor (Reception), Fedsure Forum Building, 315 Corner Pretorius and Lillian Ngoyi Streets, Pretoria and by email on gcowan@environment.gov.za, or by fax to 012 320 1243.
Enquiries in connection with the draft norms and standards can be directed to Dr G Cowan at 012 310 3701.
Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.
The gazette can be accessed on https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/nempaa_actno57of2003_protectedareas.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za
