United Nations Expert Group United Nations Expert Group Meeting on Climate Change and Meeting on Climate Change and

Sustainable Development: The South Sustainable Development: The South African ExperienceAfrican Experience

Presented by: C.A. Tham (South Africa)Presented by: C.A. Tham (South Africa)15 – 16 0CTOBER 200815 – 16 0CTOBER 2008

NEW YORKNEW YORK

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

Social Context and Background of South Africa.Social Context and Background of South Africa. Legal Reforms to Legitimize Concept of Sustainable Legal Reforms to Legitimize Concept of Sustainable

Development.Development. Section 24 of Constitution of SA.Section 24 of Constitution of SA. Development of Legal Mechanism to enhance Development of Legal Mechanism to enhance

Sustainable Development.Sustainable Development. National Framework on Sustainable DevelopmentNational Framework on Sustainable Development Air Quality and Climate Change IndicatorsAir Quality and Climate Change Indicators Climate Change and Indicators of Sustainable Climate Change and Indicators of Sustainable

DevelopmentDevelopment Conclusion & RecommendationsConclusion & Recommendations

Background and Social Context of Background and Social Context of South Africa (SA)South Africa (SA)

SA has a medium development index,equivalent to a SA has a medium development index,equivalent to a rank of 111 out of 175 countries (UNDP 2003).rank of 111 out of 175 countries (UNDP 2003).

High levels of inequality between people, places, High levels of inequality between people, places, genders, etc.genders, etc.

Legacy of apartheid has left enormous disparities in Legacy of apartheid has left enormous disparities in wealth and massive backlog in service provision (eg: wealth and massive backlog in service provision (eg: assess to potable water, electricity & adequate assess to potable water, electricity & adequate sanitation).sanitation).

Severe insecurity of land tenure, especially for people Severe insecurity of land tenure, especially for people poor in both urban and rural areas.poor in both urban and rural areas.

Recently HIV/AIDS and unemployment is having Recently HIV/AIDS and unemployment is having negative impact on the socio-economic contextnegative impact on the socio-economic context

Legal Reforms to introduce Concept of Legal Reforms to introduce Concept of Sustainable Development in SASustainable Development in SA

New Constitution with Bill of Rights adopted in 1996 New Constitution with Bill of Rights adopted in 1996 (Chapter 2):(Chapter 2):

Everyone has the right to have access to adequate Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing (Section 26);housing (Section 26);

Everyone has the right to have access to health care Everyone has the right to have access to health care services, sufficient food and water (Section 27);services, sufficient food and water (Section 27);

Everyone has the right to basic education (Section 29);Everyone has the right to basic education (Section 29); Everyone has the right to fair labour practices (Section Everyone has the right to fair labour practices (Section

23);23); Everyone has the right to an environment that is Everyone has the right to an environment that is notnot

harmful to their health or wellbeing (Section 24).harmful to their health or wellbeing (Section 24).

Section 24 of ConstitutionSection 24 of Constitution

““Everyone has the right – Everyone has the right –

(a). To an environment that is not harmful to their health (a). To an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing; and or wellbeing; and

(b). To have the environment protected for the benefit of (b). To have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that – legislative and other measures that –

(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation

(ii) promote conservation and(ii) promote conservation and

(iii) secure ecologically (iii) secure ecologically sustainable developmentsustainable development and and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”. economic and social development”.

Development of Legal Mechanisms to Development of Legal Mechanisms to Enhance Sustainable DevelopmentEnhance Sustainable Development

The Constitution (Act 108 0f 1996)The Constitution (Act 108 0f 1996) Environmental Policy of South AfricaEnvironmental Policy of South Africa National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act

107 of 1998).107 of 1998). NEMA: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003)NEMA: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) NEMA: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004)NEMA: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) NEMA: Air Quality Act (Act of 2004)NEMA: Air Quality Act (Act of 2004) NEMA: EIA Regulations 2006NEMA: EIA Regulations 2006 NEMA: Integrated Coastal Management Bill NEMA: Integrated Coastal Management Bill NEMA: Integrated Waste Management BillNEMA: Integrated Waste Management Bill

Development of Legal Mechanisms to Development of Legal Mechanisms to Enhance Sustainable DevelopmentEnhance Sustainable Development

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

NEMA: EIA Regulations

AIR QUALITY ACT

NEMA: BIODIVERSITY ACT

NEMA: PROTECTED AREA ACT

NEMA (ACT 107 0F 1998)

THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA(Act 108 of 1996)

National Framework on Sustainable National Framework on Sustainable Development (NFSD)Development (NFSD)

In Johannesburg at WSSD 2002, JPOI was adopted In Johannesburg at WSSD 2002, JPOI was adopted which sets 37 targets for sustainable development as which sets 37 targets for sustainable development as well as meeting MDG goals.well as meeting MDG goals.

In response to JPOI, South Africa has developed a In response to JPOI, South Africa has developed a National Framework for Sustainable Development National Framework for Sustainable Development (NFSD).(NFSD).

Purpose of NFSD: (In two-fold) Purpose of NFSD: (In two-fold) (i) To articulate South Africa’s vision for sustainable (i) To articulate South Africa’s vision for sustainable developmentdevelopment(ii) Specify strategic interventions in order to re-orientate (ii) Specify strategic interventions in order to re-orientate South Africa’s development path in a more sustainable South Africa’s development path in a more sustainable direction.direction.

National Framework on Sustainable National Framework on Sustainable Development (Cont’d)Development (Cont’d)

NFSD seeks to build on existing national programmes NFSD seeks to build on existing national programmes and strategies that have emerged over last 14 years.and strategies that have emerged over last 14 years.

NFSD proposes a national vision and principles for NFSD proposes a national vision and principles for sustainable development.sustainable development.

NFSD proposes focus areas (e.g.: climate change) for NFSD proposes focus areas (e.g.: climate change) for strategic intervention.strategic intervention.

NFSD will act as guideline for the development of the NFSD will act as guideline for the development of the National StrategyNational Strategy and and Action PlanAction Plan for sustainable for sustainable development.development.

The NFSD will be utilized by all The NFSD will be utilized by all social partners,social partners, and and organs of state within organs of state within national,national, provincialprovincial and and municipal municipal spheres spheres to refine and realign their policies and decision- to refine and realign their policies and decision-making systems in order to promote sustainable making systems in order to promote sustainable development.development.

National Vision for Sustainable National Vision for Sustainable Development from the NFSDDevelopment from the NFSD

““South Africa aspires to be a sustainable, South Africa aspires to be a sustainable, economically prosperous and self-reliant nation economically prosperous and self-reliant nation state that safeguards its democracy by meeting state that safeguards its democracy by meeting the fundamental human needs of its people, by the fundamental human needs of its people, by

managing its limited ecological resources managing its limited ecological resources responsibly for current and future generations, responsibly for current and future generations,

and by advancing efficient and effective and by advancing efficient and effective integrated planning and governance through integrated planning and governance through national, regional and global collaboration” national, regional and global collaboration”

(NFSD 2008)(NFSD 2008)

Principles for Sustainable Development Principles for Sustainable Development from NFSDfrom NFSD

Fundamental principles which relates to fundamental Fundamental principles which relates to fundamental human rights as enshrined in the national Constitution:human rights as enshrined in the national Constitution:

Human dignity and social equityHuman dignity and social equity Justice and fairnessJustice and fairness Democratic governanceDemocratic governance

Substantive Principles:Substantive Principles: Efficient and sustainable use of natural resourcesEfficient and sustainable use of natural resources Socio-economic systems are embedded within, and dependant Socio-economic systems are embedded within, and dependant

upon, eco-systemsupon, eco-systems Basic human needs must be met to ensure resources necessary for Basic human needs must be met to ensure resources necessary for

long-term survival are not destroyed for shot-term gain.long-term survival are not destroyed for shot-term gain.

NFSD & Sustainable Development NFSD & Sustainable Development IndicatorsIndicators

National Framework for Sustainable Development National Framework for Sustainable Development (NFSD) will contribute towards the development of a (NFSD) will contribute towards the development of a coherent set of sustainable development indicators for coherent set of sustainable development indicators for the nation.the nation.

At present, individual organizations and institutions have At present, individual organizations and institutions have their own set of indicators for sustainable development.their own set of indicators for sustainable development.

Intention of NFSD is to co-ordinate the fragmented Intention of NFSD is to co-ordinate the fragmented indicators and come up with one national set of indicators and come up with one national set of indicators.indicators.

Sustainable Development Indicators and Sustainable Development Indicators and Municipalities (Local Authorities)Municipalities (Local Authorities)

It is now a statutory requirement for all local authorities in It is now a statutory requirement for all local authorities in SA to developed an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) SA to developed an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) projecting their developments goals in a timeframe of a projecting their developments goals in a timeframe of a 5-year term (MSA Act of 2000).5-year term (MSA Act of 2000).

Annual IDP reviews are undertaken every year to Annual IDP reviews are undertaken every year to establish among other things how municipalities have establish among other things how municipalities have incorporate the principles of sustainability in their IDP incorporate the principles of sustainability in their IDP documents.documents.

National and Provincial departments of Environment National and Provincial departments of Environment have a set of sustainability indicators that are utilized to have a set of sustainability indicators that are utilized to review the IDP documents.review the IDP documents.

IDP Review and Sustainable IDP Review and Sustainable Development IndicatorsDevelopment Indicators

Has sustainable development principles as espoused in Has sustainable development principles as espoused in NEMA being incorporated in the IDP document?NEMA being incorporated in the IDP document?

Is there compliance with NEMA EIA Regulations on all Is there compliance with NEMA EIA Regulations on all projects identified in the IDP document?projects identified in the IDP document?

Is there compliance with enviro-sectors plans eg: Air Is there compliance with enviro-sectors plans eg: Air Quality Plans, Coastal Management Plans, Waste Quality Plans, Coastal Management Plans, Waste Management Plans, etc?Management Plans, etc?

Is there a SEA as a layer to the IDP document?Is there a SEA as a layer to the IDP document? Has an EMF being developed for environmental Has an EMF being developed for environmental

sensitive geographical areas in the municipality?sensitive geographical areas in the municipality?

Climate Change and Indicators of Climate Change and Indicators of Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development

Examples of Climate Change in SA: Examples of Climate Change in SA:

(i).(i). Extreme weather patternsExtreme weather patterns

(ii).(ii). Rise in sea levelsRise in sea levels

(iii).(iii). Floods and droughtsFloods and droughts

(iv).(iv). Erosion of coastal shore linesErosion of coastal shore lines

(v). Scarcity of water in the Western Cape area, etc.(v). Scarcity of water in the Western Cape area, etc.

Recent (2007/08) Examples of Climate Recent (2007/08) Examples of Climate ChangeChange

Recent (2007/08) Examples of Climate Recent (2007/08) Examples of Climate ChangeChange

Some Impacts of Climate ChangeSome Impacts of Climate Change

Reduced crop yield due to prevailing drought in Zululand.Reduced crop yield due to prevailing drought in Zululand. Impact on tourism as coastal resorts were destroyed in Impact on tourism as coastal resorts were destroyed in

recent high tides.recent high tides. Unemployment as resorts workers are left without a job.Unemployment as resorts workers are left without a job. Knock-on effect on dependants and family members’ Knock-on effect on dependants and family members’

quality of live as bread winner in family is without a job.quality of live as bread winner in family is without a job. Increased coastal erosion along the Kwa-Zulu Natal Increased coastal erosion along the Kwa-Zulu Natal

CoastlineCoastline Lost of residential properties and other personal Lost of residential properties and other personal

belongings as sea level rises.belongings as sea level rises. Higher temps. has a negative influence on livestock.Higher temps. has a negative influence on livestock.

The wrath of the climate change at its best!!

`̀

Tinley Manor

The Galley, Ballito

Climate Change Status Quo: Climate Change Status Quo: National/Provincial InitiativesNational/Provincial Initiatives

Adoption of the National Climate Change Response Adoption of the National Climate Change Response Strategy in 2005.Strategy in 2005.

Recent adoption of cabinet of a Proposal on Climate Recent adoption of cabinet of a Proposal on Climate Change Policy Development (July 2008).Change Policy Development (July 2008).

Formation of Climate Change Steering Committees at Formation of Climate Change Steering Committees at provincial level.provincial level.

Steering Committees comprising of all relevant Steering Committees comprising of all relevant government department and local authorities.government department and local authorities.

Core functions of steering committees is to develop an Core functions of steering committees is to develop an Action Plan to mitigate impacts of climate changes in Action Plan to mitigate impacts of climate changes in provinces (Eg: KZN Province).provinces (Eg: KZN Province).

Air Quality & Climate Change IndicatorsAir Quality & Climate Change Indicators

Is there an adopted Air Quality Management Plan for the Is there an adopted Air Quality Management Plan for the municipality in compliance with NEMA Air Quality Act?municipality in compliance with NEMA Air Quality Act?

Is there a designated air quality officer responsible for Is there a designated air quality officer responsible for coordinating matters pertaining to air quality coordinating matters pertaining to air quality management in the municipality?management in the municipality?

Are there adequate/effective air quality monitoring Are there adequate/effective air quality monitoring equipments in the municipality?equipments in the municipality?

Percentage of key pollutants monitored according to the Percentage of key pollutants monitored according to the specifications in the National Air Quality Framework.specifications in the National Air Quality Framework.

Degree of exceedence of national standards for ambient Degree of exceedence of national standards for ambient concentrations of key pollutants in the municipality.concentrations of key pollutants in the municipality.

Air Quality & Climate Change Indicators Air Quality & Climate Change Indicators (Cont’d)(Cont’d)

Number of air quality related complaints received by the Number of air quality related complaints received by the

local municipality per yearlocal municipality per year.. Change in trends in levels of SOChange in trends in levels of SO22, NO, NO22, & PM10 in a local , & PM10 in a local

municipal area.municipal area. Percentage change in the number of daily exceedance of Percentage change in the number of daily exceedance of

24hrs average SO24hrs average SO22, NO, NO22, & PM10, South Africa standards., & PM10, South Africa standards.

Percentage change in total particulates in a local Percentage change in total particulates in a local municipal area.municipal area.

Percentage of key pollutants monitored in a local Percentage of key pollutants monitored in a local municipal area according to the specifications in the municipal area according to the specifications in the National Air Quality Framework.National Air Quality Framework.

Climate Change IndicatorsClimate Change Indicators

Is there an adopted Coastal Management Plan for the Is there an adopted Coastal Management Plan for the relevant coastal municipality?relevant coastal municipality?

How are many coastal sustainable livelihoods project How are many coastal sustainable livelihoods project have been initiated per annum?have been initiated per annum?

Percentage of coastal municipalities with a proclaimed Percentage of coastal municipalities with a proclaimed ‘coastal set back line’ in accordance with the Coastal ‘coastal set back line’ in accordance with the Coastal Management BillManagement Bill

Percentage of coastal management committees formed Percentage of coastal management committees formed and operational.and operational.

What is the economic value of the coastal goods and What is the economic value of the coastal goods and services on the municipalityservices on the municipality

Conclusion & RecommendationsConclusion & Recommendations

Adaptation Strategies for Communities facing Adaptation Strategies for Communities facing climate change as a challenge:climate change as a challenge:

Action Plans of provincial Steering Committees on Climate Change must Action Plans of provincial Steering Committees on Climate Change must come up with such Adaptation Strategiescome up with such Adaptation Strategies..

Climate change indicators to be developed and incorporated into Coastal Climate change indicators to be developed and incorporated into Coastal management Plans for Coastal Municipalities.management Plans for Coastal Municipalities.

Provincial/National Govt. must provide funds for adaptation strategies.Provincial/National Govt. must provide funds for adaptation strategies.

Education, Training and Awareness:Education, Training and Awareness: Literacy campaigns within vulnerable communities (e.g.: informal Literacy campaigns within vulnerable communities (e.g.: informal

settlements) must be initiated and intensified.settlements) must be initiated and intensified. EG: Seminars, Workshops, Dramas& Plays, TV/Radio Advertisements, etc.EG: Seminars, Workshops, Dramas& Plays, TV/Radio Advertisements, etc. Introduction of climate change in school curricula, etc.Introduction of climate change in school curricula, etc.

Recommendation (Cont’d)Recommendation (Cont’d)

On the global front:On the global front:

A more ‘robust’ and legally binding framework on A more ‘robust’ and legally binding framework on sustainable development must be investigated by the UN sustainable development must be investigated by the UN at the next earth summit. (Just like the IPCC in 1988 at the next earth summit. (Just like the IPCC in 1988 which later developed into a ‘Convention’ as UNFCCC).which later developed into a ‘Convention’ as UNFCCC).

For More Info:For More Info:

Contact:Contact: Mr. C.A. Tham (MEnvDev)Mr. C.A. Tham (MEnvDev)KZN Department of Agriculture and Environmental AffairsKZN Department of Agriculture and Environmental AffairsPrivate Bag X9059Private Bag X9059Pietermaritzburg 3200Pietermaritzburg 3200Tel: +27 33 355 9427Tel: +27 33 355 9427Fax: +27 33 355 9614Fax: +27 33 355 9614Email: Email: Christian.Tham@dae.kzntl.gov.zaChristian.Tham@dae.kzntl.gov.zaCell: +27 82 886 4076Cell: +27 82 886 4076

National Website: http//www.environment.gov.zaNational Website: http//www.environment.gov.zaProvincial Website: http//agriculture.kzntl.gov.zaProvincial Website: http//agriculture.kzntl.gov.za

Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill

““The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”difficulty”

THANK YOU!!!THANK YOU!!!