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1 Day before the event

( 08/16/2021 )

Day 1

( 08/17/2021 )

Day 2

( 08/18/2021 )

Day 3

( 08/19/2021 )

Track 1

18:00

20:00

Meet and Greet

Track 1

08:00

08:15

Conference Opening - IAIAsa President

08:15

08:45

Keynote Speaker - Sustainable Development Goals: Inequality

08:45

08:50

Thanks
Thanks - Rethabile Mbokodi

08:50

08:55

Session Introduction: Biophysical Pillar & Lead Speakers
Session Chair - Dr Patrick Sithole
Young Champion - Zenaria de Villiers

08:55

09:25

Lead Speaker - Biophysical Pillar Sub-Theme 1 Sustainable ecosystems and resources; promotion, protection, and rehabilitation Biophysical Pillar
The narrative underpinning the intention of the SDGs is to remind us that society and economies are directly dependent on a functional biophysical environment. This includes vital ecosystems and ecological support areas that provide important ecosystem services and ecological infrastructure. The 2019 report on the progress towards achieving the SDGs, indicates that weaknesses exist on environmental sustainability safeguards on areas of biodiversity, clean energy, and social inclusion. The progre...
The narrative underpinning the intention of the SDGs is to remind us that society and economies are directly dependent on a functional biophysical environment. This includes vital ecosystems and ecological support areas that provide important ecosystem services and ecological infrastructure. The 2019 report on the progress towards achieving the SDGs, indicates that weaknesses exist on environmental sustainability safeguards on areas of biodiversity, clean energy, and social inclusion. The progress towards some SDGs, like economic growth, industry and infrastructure development, sustainable cities, service delivery, can be drivers of poor environmental performance if we are not vigilant. For this reason, Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) has an important role to play in South Africa’s pursuit of the SDGs, given IEM’s ability to deal with the complexities of decision-making and trade-offs between social, economic, and environmental impacts and benefits. We need to be concerned about biodiversity loss as evidenced by various assessments, both locally and globally. In addition to this, crises like the Covid-19 pandemic highlight the importance of effective collaboration in complex problems in a changing environment. We need interventions that ensure sustainable ecosystems through protection mechanisms, promotion, and rehabilitation measures. Biodiversity and ecosystems have a critical role in enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability to the impact of climate change. Consequently, we need to ask ourselves what can IEM do better and differently to have the desired social, ecological, and economic impact?
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09:25

09:55

Lead Speaker Biophysical Pillar Sub-Theme 2 Climate change; resilience, adaptation, and mitigation - "Getting to the heart of climate change – the role of science, practice and engagement"
The southern African region has been identified as a climate host spot. The region is not only challenged by climate change but is also faced with a number of complex stresses.
Some of the science related to the complex challenges we face in the region will be discussed. Attention will also focus on the role that we can play in effectively responding to these challenges.
In particular the role of science, practice and citizens will be examined.

09:55

10:00

Thanks
Thanks - Dr Sithole

10:00

10:05

Break into Sessions

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Renee Kruger
Young Champion - Curtley Tonkin

10:10

10:25

Ted Talk : “Hydraulic Fracturing: A Pilot for an Integrated Environmental Authorisation Process”.
The former Department of Mineral Resources published regulations under the Mineral and Petroleum Development Resources Act, 2002 entitled “Regulations for Petroleum Exploration and Production” in June 2015. These regulations were set aside in June 2018 by the Supreme court of Appeal on the basis that only the Minister responsible for environment was empowered to make regulations on environmental matter. As there are several Departments who must provide authorisations for hydraulic fracturing, th...
The former Department of Mineral Resources published regulations under the Mineral and Petroleum Development Resources Act, 2002 entitled “Regulations for Petroleum Exploration and Production” in June 2015. These regulations were set aside in June 2018 by the Supreme court of Appeal on the basis that only the Minister responsible for environment was empowered to make regulations on environmental matter. As there are several Departments who must provide authorisations for hydraulic fracturing, the redrafting of these regulations under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) provides a unique opportunity to pilot an integrated approach to environmental authorisation of such operations. Such an integrated process is to be achieved through the preparation of a “Minimum Information Requirements for the the Submission of Applications for an Authorisation or License under NEMA or a SEMA for the Onshore Exploration and production of Shale Gas”. It is intended that this Minimum Information Requirement will contain the requirements of all government departments who are required to authorise a hydraulic fracturing activity, which will lead to one assessment report, will allow for an integrated public participation process and as far as is possible, an integrated authorisation process.
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10:25

10:40

Lightning Talk -
Many folks have become discouraged around the possibility of EIA processes supporting “sustainable development”, let alone “conservation”.This talk outlines a model which has successfully provided “boots on the ground” for in situ conservation as triggered through NEMA and the EIA process.To frame this discussion within the SDG’s is difficult, but the most obvious would be SDG 15: Protect, restore… halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. I choose this option as it is true t...
Many folks have become discouraged around the possibility of EIA processes supporting “sustainable development”, let alone “conservation”.
This talk outlines a model which has successfully provided “boots on the ground” for in situ conservation as triggered through NEMA and the EIA process.
To frame this discussion within the SDG’s is difficult, but the most obvious would be SDG 15: Protect, restore… halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. I choose this option as it is true that the exceptionally high biodiversity value of the vegetation type in the very first project of this nature, was the initial driver. For the other two sites in this story, the high biodiversity value did secure them as sites worthy of restoration, and protection for future generations.
This talk will highlight the key elements necessary for the implementation of this model. It will explain the mechanism based on three sites that have provided resources for conservation for more than 10 years.
We showcase this mechanism as it is much more than SDG 15. Most importantly, it supports SDG 8: growing the green economy, which ties to SDG 1 (no poverty) and wraps in SDG 3: healthy lives. And the cherry on top: all four sites support SDG 4: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
As you will hear, it is possible, in certain instances, for the EIA process to create jobs and provide an ongoing funding stream for conservation.
That said, it is probably fair to conclude that this model flies or falls around SDG17: implementation through partnerships for sustainable development.
It is our hope that this talk will inspire others to think about similar approaches to unlock resources for conservation.
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10:40

10:45

Thanks
Thanks - Renee Kruger

10:45

10:55

Comfort Break 1

10:55

11:00

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Renee Kruger
Young Champion - Curtley Tonkin

11:00

11:20

Oral Paper - "Groundwater in Pursuit of Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals".
Climate change is, impacting the hydrogeological cycle. Although the longer-term centennial predictions remain unclear, with future models suggesting both a drier or wetter Western Cape, what is clear is that mean annual rainfall has reduced over the last three decades, Also noted, is that the frequency of rainfall events has decreased (less rain days measured), resulting in more intense and episodic rain. Exacerbating the problem, the rising temperature of the Western Cape causes a consequentia...
Climate change is, impacting the hydrogeological cycle. Although the longer-term centennial predictions remain unclear, with future models suggesting both a drier or wetter Western Cape, what is clear is that mean annual rainfall has reduced over the last three decades, Also noted, is that the frequency of rainfall events has decreased (less rain days measured), resulting in more intense and episodic rain. Exacerbating the problem, the rising temperature of the Western Cape causes a consequential increase in evaporation/evapotranspiration reducing the net water storage in our dams. On the backdrop of climate change impacts the additional responsibility of the burgeoning population of the Western Cape, with an inward migration places demands on water resources. While it is exceedingly unlikely that future dam construction is feasible, the challenge is therefore that water planning, security and sustainability in the Western Cape, and South Africa as a whole, until now unduly reliant on surface water storage, needs to look for new solutions to solve the dilemma. In the face of a changing climate, our reliance on these sources of water will be insufficient to meet the SDG 6.4 – “Water Use and Scarcity”. To this extent, Umvoto Africa has been working closely with the City of Cape Town and the Overstrand Municipality to achieve sustainable usage of water resources, by combining sustainably managed groundwater resources to their water use supply systems. By incorporating groundwater into the supply, service providers can better manage their supplies of water, and essentially use groundwater as a giant underground reservoir for the storage of water through Managed Aquifer Recharge. Groundwater is also less susceptible to evapotranspiration and groundwater levels can be accurately monitored to avoid over-abstraction and allow for recharge, either naturally or through Managed Aquifer Recharge.
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11:20

11:40

Oral Paper - "The Cape Flats, South Africa in Relation to Managed Aquifer Recharge”.
On May 30th, 2017, a Section 30A Directive in terms of NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) was issued to the City of Cape Town (CCT) by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The Directive was issued in line with the declaration of the Western Cape as a Disaster Zone (Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002) due to prolonged drought conditions (2015/18). The Directive allowed the CCT to carry out listed activities in terms of NEMA EIA regulations (2014 as amended), without the need ...
On May 30th, 2017, a Section 30A Directive in terms of NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) was issued to the City of Cape Town (CCT) by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The Directive was issued in line with the declaration of the Western Cape as a Disaster Zone (Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002) due to prolonged drought conditions (2015/18). The Directive allowed the CCT to carry out listed activities in terms of NEMA EIA regulations (2014 as amended), without the need to apply for an Environmental Authorisation. As such, site-specific method statements were produced, allowing all aspects of the environment to be considered and protected as necessary. The Directive called for the development of a Water Supply Emergency Intervention Plan. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is the purposeful recharge of treated water into an aquifer for subsequent recovery thereof. MAR in conjunction with abstraction, as a conjunctive use tool, ensures that over-abstraction of the Cape Flats Aquifer does not occur and that pressure is taken off the CCT’s dams, while clean water and sanitation are provided (Qu. 1, SDG 6). This intervention is an IEM tool that engages and effectively collaborates with various stakeholders (state departments: environmental affairs and water resources) and specialist involvement (water specialists, biodiversity, and heritage specialists). MAR as an IEM tool also achieves the conservation of Cape Town’s water supply as well as restoring and rehabilitating degraded land (e.g., natural, and constructed wetlands) that further protects biomes and endangered species (Qu. 2, SDG 15). Ongoing monitoring by means of a monitoring committee liaising with the necessary specialists ensures the sustainability of abstraction and MAR. This IEM tool delivers the desired mitigation of impacts to restore the ecological integrity of the CFA (Qu. 3). Groundwater development and MAR of the CFA therefore support achieving SDG 6 and SDG 15 as an IEM tool.
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11:40

12:00

Oral Paper - "Atlantis in Relation to Managed Aquifer Recharge”.
South Africa is a water-stressed country with effects of climate change projected to exacerbate drought conditions such as those recently experienced between 2015/18 in the Western Cape. To build resilience against the effects of climate change, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) launched the New Water Programme (NWP), a fundamental part of the CoCT water strategy. This strategy responded to priorities set by local Government within the National Development Plan (NDP) and National Water Act which supp...
South Africa is a water-stressed country with effects of climate change projected to exacerbate drought conditions such as those recently experienced between 2015/18 in the Western Cape. To build resilience against the effects of climate change, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) launched the New Water Programme (NWP), a fundamental part of the CoCT water strategy. This strategy responded to priorities set by local Government within the National Development Plan (NDP) and National Water Act which supports sustainable groundwater development. The objectives of the NWP include the refurbishment of the Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme (AWRMS). The AWRMS is recognized as one of the first large-scale managed aquifer recharge (MAR) schemes in the world, supplying water to the town of Atlantis. It was implemented during the 1970s and has operated to varying degrees of success for almost 40 years. However, since the early 2000s it has been operated on limited capacity with surface-water becoming the main water source. AWRMS is a key example of sustainable water (SDG 6) use that closes the water system, allowing for wise water use, reuse, and recycling. Prior to NWP, the AWRMS was able to supply ~5 million litres per day to the Atlantis region. The goal of the refurbishment and expansion is to produce up to 40 million litres per day in extreme emergencies and allow water to be reticulated to the coastal village of Melkbos – effectively increasing the reach and resilience offered by the AWRMS. A key component to the refurbishment of the scheme has been to establish a robust monitoring network to ensure the long-term sustainability of the groundwater abstraction and MAR components and to offer an early warning system aimed at water resource protection (SDG 13).
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12:00

12:20

Oral Paper - "Hermanus Conjunctive Groundwater Use Case".
Umvoto Africa has provided the Overstrand District Municipality with groundwater consultancy services for almost two decades and supports the wellfield management since 2009. The central town of Hermanus services a growing population, currently just under 100 000, which is projected to grow by ~5% annually. Coupled with population growth and the uncertain but negative consequences of climate change on water availability, the small town of Hermanus was not excluded from the 2015/18 water crisis i...
Umvoto Africa has provided the Overstrand District Municipality with groundwater consultancy services for almost two decades and supports the wellfield management since 2009. The central town of Hermanus services a growing population, currently just under 100 000, which is projected to grow by ~5% annually. Coupled with population growth and the uncertain but negative consequences of climate change on water availability, the small town of Hermanus was not excluded from the 2015/18 water crisis in the Western Cape. This presentation seeks to illustrate the water supply and demand ratios in the past, present and future, to suggest the interventions to mitigate the water shortfall and to describe groundwater abstraction and wellfield development in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A brief overview of the hydro-geology explains the source and flows of groundwater, while hydro-climatology will look at past and future rain scenarios. An overview of the development of three major wellfields on the outskirts of the town illustrates how groundwater is abstracted and incorporated into the water treatment works as part of a conjunctive usage system alongside surface water. Prior to groundwater abstraction, Hermanus was reliant on surface water only, but now receives on average 30% of its potable drinking water from the aquifer reducing the dependency on the De Bos Dam. While water touches on each of the 17 SDGs, the presentation highlights its specific relationship to SDG 6 “clean water and sanitation for all” under Sub-theme 1, to illustrate that this initiative is preserving resources and life on land and in rivers through decreased, sustainable surface water and groundwater usage, conserving water resources and contributing to the conservation of life in rivers and ultimately contributing to the restoration of the wider natural environment through the decreased reliability on surface water resources in the area.
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12:20

12:40

Oral Paper - "Striking the Balance: The Table Mountain Group Aquifer Story”.
The City of Cape Town (CCT) initiated the Table Mountain Group (TMG) Aquifer Project in 2001. The study, which continued until 2013, focused on determining the potential yield from three main groundwater target areas, namely Theewaterskloof, Wemmershoek and Kogelberg-Steenbras. During 2013 the CCT decided to undertake an extended Exploratory Phase, thereby delaying the Pilot Phase, in the three main target areas. The conventional implementation process of the TMG Aquifer groundwater scheme was d...
The City of Cape Town (CCT) initiated the Table Mountain Group (TMG) Aquifer Project in 2001. The study, which continued until 2013, focused on determining the potential yield from three main groundwater target areas, namely Theewaterskloof, Wemmershoek and Kogelberg-Steenbras. During 2013 the CCT decided to undertake an extended Exploratory Phase, thereby delaying the Pilot Phase, in the three main target areas. The conventional implementation process of the TMG Aquifer groundwater scheme was disrupted in 2017, when a severe drought occurred in the Western Cape; dam levels were dangerously low, and ‘Day Zero’ loomed for the CCT. A National Disaster was declared under section 41(1) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), the CCT initiated their New Water Programme (NWP) and a Section 30A Directive was issued in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Act 107 of 1998. This meant that a conventional Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was not required for specific listed activities in terms of the NEMA before the implementation of approved water augmentation schemes, provided that the CCT comply with the conditions of the Section 30A Directive. Implementation of the first TMG Aquifer wellfield commenced in the Steenbras area, which included borehole drilling, pipelines, power supply and water treatment works. The project required a truly #allhandsondeck approach where the client, regulatory authorities, stakeholders, engineers, landowners, environmental practitioners, specialists, and contractors. All stakeholders had to work together with the aim of balancing secure water supply and resilience and environmental protection. The project provided valuable opportunities to test, model and adapt environmental protection measures and aquifer management principles, and some useful lessons were learnt, which will be shared as part of the presentation.
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12:40

12:45

Thanks
Thanks - Renee Kruger

12:45

13:00

Comfort Break 3

13:00

14:00

Panel Discussion: “THE OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS AND ECOLOGICAL MITIGATION IN SUPPORTING SDGS”.
Globally, biodiversity and ecosystems are threatened. The ongoing loss of biodiversity together with the complicating effects of climate change place increasing demands on dwindling resources and are key challenges to sustainable development. In South Africa, pressure for economic growth and the additive effects of development pose a threat to the remaining biodiversity through the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitat, introduction of alien invasive organisms and pollution, amongst o...
Globally, biodiversity and ecosystems are threatened. The ongoing loss of biodiversity together with the complicating effects of climate change place increasing demands on dwindling resources and are key challenges to sustainable development. In South Africa, pressure for economic growth and the additive effects of development pose a threat to the remaining biodiversity through the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitat, introduction of alien invasive organisms and pollution, amongst other impacts. Transformation of natural areas, in most cases, cannot be restored to what it was before transformation. This places an ever increasing and cumulative pressure on natural resources and ecosystem services in two ways. The first is the consumptive use of biodiversity (e.g. commercial fishing), and the second is the competition for physical space required for development (landscape transformation). It is increasingly acknowledged that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool cannot address the cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services at landscape scale. EIA aims to find the ‘best practicable environmental option’, invariably allowing some loss of biodiversity in each instance. The additive effects of these numerous minor losses of biodiversity means that, at ecosystem or landscape scale, biodiversity continues to decline, as do our ecosystem services. South Africa is thus increasingly putting itself into an undesirable state of ecological deficit. Regulatory and other interventions are needed to stop and reverse ecosystem degradation. Biodiversity offsets are seen as one possible method of mitigating the current trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services loss in the country. However, for offsetting to succeed in practice, a number of barriers will have to be overcome. This panel discussion will give an overview of the policy developments in South Africa. It will then look at the role that biodiversity plays in promoting the achievement of the SDGs (ecosystem services, Green Economy, etc.), and the role that biodiversity offsets can play, through the mitigation hierarchy, achieving national and international biodiversity targets.
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14:00

15:00

Panel Discussion: “RENEWABLE ENERGY: ARE STANDARD IEM PROCEDURES SUFFICIENT FOR ADDRESSING THE SECTOR’S IMPACTS AND MEETING SDGS? WEIGHING UP PRACTICAL AND INNOVATIVE MEASURES”
The renewable energy sector is becoming an ever more viable alternative to coal-fired power plants, with technology rapidly developing and improving, the cost of renewable power dropping and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels no longer acceptable. Several renewable power plants (RPPs) have been developed, or are currently being developed, in terms of Eskom’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), introduced in 2011 with the aim of installing 17.8GW o...
The renewable energy sector is becoming an ever more viable alternative to coal-fired power plants, with technology rapidly developing and improving, the cost of renewable power dropping and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels no longer acceptable. Several renewable power plants (RPPs) have been developed, or are currently being developed, in terms of Eskom’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), introduced in 2011 with the aim of installing 17.8GW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, and which is now in its fifth bid window. Apart from the RPPs, smaller-scale renewable power generation has also been gaining traction and is anticipated to grow even faster now that the NERSA licensing threshold for independent power producers is set to be raised from the current 1MW to 100MW. With the development of more RPPs, it has also become clear that although RPPs are relatively “green” as compared to fossil fuel power plants, they can still lead to significant environmental impacts. One impact that has garnered much attention in South Africa relates to bird and bat mortalities associated with wind farms, an aspect which now requires exhaustive investigation as part of EIAs for such projects. As renewable energy looks set to replace coal-fired plants over time, it is crucial that the environmental impacts of RPPs be thoroughly understood, and effective impact mitigation measures be developed. To this end, are the current assessment and application processes sufficient or should they be adjusted to better suit the requirements of this industry? Is there a need to introduce an industry-specific set of procedures, and if so, what will these look like? Expert panellists specialising in different aspects of the renewable energy sector will tackle these issues.
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18:00

20:00

Gala Evening
Hosts Sharon Meyer and Sandile Nkomonde

Track 2

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Sabelo B Nkosi
Young Champion - Helen Antonopoulous

10:10

10:25

Ted Talks - “Biodiversity footprint accounting: the Biological Diversity Protocol Tool”.
There is growing recognition of the need for corporate biodiversity impact measurement and reporting aligned with the SDGs, but also much uncertainty on how to do this. There is generally low engagement with biodiversity across sectors in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, though this is improving. We present the Biological Diversity Protocol (BD Protocol) tool which equips companies to measure their net biodiversity footprint. It is applicable to any sector and supply chain. This enables science-...
There is growing recognition of the need for corporate biodiversity impact measurement and reporting aligned with the SDGs, but also much uncertainty on how to do this. There is generally low engagement with biodiversity across sectors in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, though this is improving. We present the Biological Diversity Protocol (BD Protocol) tool which equips companies to measure their net biodiversity footprint. It is applicable to any sector and supply chain. This enables science-based reporting which can be scaled, is easy to understand and enables setting KPIs.
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10:25

10:40

Lightning Talk - Are We Achieving the Conservation and Protection of Endangered Species and their Restoration through Integrated Environmental Management: The Case of Southern Africa.
Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is defined as, “the integration of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Development Planning to ensure sustainable development”. Its objective is to provide principles and tools to achieve sustainable development through integrated development planning. Sustainable Development is the integration of social, economic, and environmental features while also addressing intergenerational equity. IEM can be applied across a range of activities includi...
Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is defined as, “the integration of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Development Planning to ensure sustainable development”. Its objective is to provide principles and tools to achieve sustainable development through integrated development planning. Sustainable Development is the integration of social, economic, and environmental features while also addressing intergenerational equity. IEM can be applied across a range of activities including policies, plans and programs and projects. This paper examines whether policies, plans, and programmes, and projects in Southern Africa are achieving conservation of endangered species and their restoration through IEM by analysing the application of IEM in policies, plans and programmes and projects in Southern Africa. It argues that for policies, plans and programmes such as Environmental Policies and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and development projects to achieve conservation and protection of Endangered Species there needs to be an awareness and up to date country databases of these Endangered species, their distribution, and their ecology in country and internationally. The Environmental and Social Assessment Studies should be able to conduct detailed baseline biological surveys of the different taxa and link the development and project activities scale and nature with the impacts not just on their habitats, their behaviour, and ecology. The regulatory and enforcement agencies and development financial institutions must ensure due diligence that the assessment processes were rigorous and have identified these species, their habitats and their ecology and determined the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. This will ensure that adequate avoidance minimization, compensation and offset measures are determined and implemented so that IEM achieves protection and restoration of endangered species.
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10:40

10:45

Thanks
Thanks - Sabelo B Nkosi

10:45

10:55

Comfort Break 1

10:55

11:00

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Sabelo Nkosi
Young Champion - Helen Antonopoulous

11:00

11:20

Oral Paper "Valuing Ecosystem Services Associated with a Strategic Water Source Area: A Case of the Mphaphuli Community, South Africa".
The study of ecosystem services and the valuation of their contribution to human well-being is a growing field of interest among scientists and decision-makers. There is often limited knowledge and information about the ecosystem services and valuation at the local scale, particularly in rural areas under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities. This study aimed to assess ecosystem services and economic valuation in a critical biodiversity area under the jurisdiction of the Mphaphuli Traditi...
The study of ecosystem services and the valuation of their contribution to human well-being is a growing field of interest among scientists and decision-makers. There is often limited knowledge and information about the ecosystem services and valuation at the local scale, particularly in rural areas under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities. This study aimed to assess ecosystem services and economic valuation in a critical biodiversity area under the jurisdiction of the Mphaphuli Traditional Authority in South Africa. The Co$ting Nature Policy Support System V3 was used to identify and undertake economic valuation of services provided by ecosystems. The ecosystem services valuation process was based on the default values of the valuation matrix made available in Co$ting Nature V3 software. No external datasets were used during the model simulation stage because pre-processes and preloaded data were comprehensive and useful to achieve the study's objectives. The 2018 land-cover map for South Africa was used to summarise the aggregate economic values. The aggregate value of the services flowing from ecosystems was found to be US$528 280 256. The resulting ecosystem services value shows the importance of maintaining a functioning ecosystem, especially in the impoverished community, which relies heavily on ecosystem services for their livelihoods. Rural communities should be appraised on the importance and value of these ecosystem services, especially as these relate to some income that these communities could derive from such ecosystems. Keywords: biodiversity, economic valuation, ecosystem services, LULC, rural development and livelihoods.
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11:20

11:40

Oral Paper - "Is it Possible to Improve the Quality of the Water in the iKongeni Estuary? That is the Question”.
Asking if our rivers, estuaries, and oceans are clean and if our sanitation systems are working efficiently and effectively, especially in relation to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, is easy to answer with a resounding ‘No’. Asking if IEM is responding to the challenges faced in this regard could elicit a very different response. We propose to consider the recent development and proposed implementation of the iKongeni Estuarine Management Plan, located in the once bustling holiday town of Margate...
Asking if our rivers, estuaries, and oceans are clean and if our sanitation systems are working efficiently and effectively, especially in relation to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, is easy to answer with a resounding ‘No’. Asking if IEM is responding to the challenges faced in this regard could elicit a very different response. We propose to consider the recent development and proposed implementation of the iKongeni Estuarine Management Plan, located in the once bustling holiday town of Margate, now a tired old lady in dire need of an upgrade. We will assess if this management plan, one of the IEM tools provided by the National Environmental: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act 24 of 2008), successfully responds to many of the sustainable development goals? The plan includes a realistic vision, viable management objectives and identified actions responding to water quality concerns and coastal pollution. It also responds to other relevant key issues including climate change resilience, sustainable development and improved governance and management. But will the implementation of the plan achieve the specific objectives set? Does government have the appetite for solving the problems identified? Are local stakeholders and interest groups willing to buy-in to this process? As a policy drafter I have my fingers crossed that this is indeed the case but also acknowledge that estuarine management is a process that takes time and where all steps taken, and all victories achieved (however small) should be celebrated.
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11:40

12:00

Oral Paper - "A Preliminary Investigation into the Accuracy and Utility of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment's Screening Tool, South Africa”.
Screening is an essential stage within the EIA process. In this stage, potential environmental impacts associated with a development are considered, determining the type of environmental assessment that is required. The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has implemented a web-based spatial screening tool which became mandatory for use by EAPs as of October 2019. The screening tool identifies environmental sensitivities and areas of special interest, such ...
Screening is an essential stage within the EIA process. In this stage, potential environmental impacts associated with a development are considered, determining the type of environmental assessment that is required. The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has implemented a web-based spatial screening tool which became mandatory for use by EAPs as of October 2019. The screening tool identifies environmental sensitivities and areas of special interest, such as protected areas or development zones associated with a development footprint. Since the introduction of the screening tool, the accuracy and utility remain untested. A mixed-methods approach involving interviews and an online survey was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data respectively, on the perceptions of environmental professionals on the screening tool. Both the survey and the interviews indicate that environmental professionals believe the screening tool does not accurately assign sensitivities for the various biodiversity themes. In addition, participants of the survey believe that specialists should be required to submit their environmental information for a site to improve the accuracy of the data in the screening tool. The utility of the screening tool scored very poorly in the survey, showing that most environmental professionals do not believe the screening tool is useful. The screening tool instead increases time and costs in the EIA process. Interviewees recommended that there needs to be a clear process to undertake site sensitivity verification, that the competent authorities should be given the discretion to exclude specialist studies, and that there needs to be better alignment between the sector classifications and the NEMA Listed Activities. Additionally, better communication from DFFE on how sensitivities are assigned and the process of generating distribution maps for the various themes is required. Lastly, there is an opportunity for further research on how the process of a specialist feedback loop should be facilitated.
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12:00

12:20

Oral Paper - "Endangered Wildlife Trust Threatened species No-go Areas Online Tool".
Afrotheria is an ancient radiation of African mammals which includes the Chrysochloridae (Golden Moles), a highly specialized family of fossorial, range-restricted species, and the regionally endangered forest-dependent Dendrohyrax arboreus (Southern Tree Hyrax). South Africa is home to 17 of the 21 currently described Golden Moles, of which 16 are endemic and 10 listed as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN regional Red List. As such, improving the cons...
Afrotheria is an ancient radiation of African mammals which includes the Chrysochloridae (Golden Moles), a highly specialized family of fossorial, range-restricted species, and the regionally endangered forest-dependent Dendrohyrax arboreus (Southern Tree Hyrax). South Africa is home to 17 of the 21 currently described Golden Moles, of which 16 are endemic and 10 listed as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN regional Red List. As such, improving the conservation of Afrotheria within the country is paramount. Until recently, the legislation tasked with ensuring responsible development in South Africa failed to adequately protect cryptic species such as Golden Moles and the Southern Tree Hyrax during the environmental impact assessment process. In this presentation, I detail how recent legislation which requires the incorporation of a web-based application, the Environmental Screening Tool, will improve the protection levels of Afrotheria species of conservation concern. We describe the process by which 11 species of conservation concern are incorporated into the screening tool, what this tells us of our current knowledge of their distribution and discuss the potential impact the EST may have on Afrotheria conservation going forward.
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12:20

12:40

Oral Paper - "The Implementation of the Environmental Screening Tool Boosts Conservation of Cryptic Species of Conservation Concern - A Case Study on Golden Moles”.
Afrotheria is an ancient radiation of African mammals which includes the Chrysochloridae (Golden Moles), a highly specialized family of fossorial, range-restricted species, and the regionally endangered forest-dependent Dendrohyrax arboreus (Southern Tree Hyrax). South Africa is home to 17 of the 21 currently described Golden Moles, of which 16 are endemic and 10 listed as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN regional Red List. As such, improving the cons...
Afrotheria is an ancient radiation of African mammals which includes the Chrysochloridae (Golden Moles), a highly specialized family of fossorial, range-restricted species, and the regionally endangered forest-dependent Dendrohyrax arboreus (Southern Tree Hyrax). South Africa is home to 17 of the 21 currently described Golden Moles, of which 16 are endemic and 10 listed as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered according to the IUCN regional Red List. As such, improving the conservation of Afrotheria within the country is paramount. Until recently, the legislation tasked with ensuring responsible development in South Africa failed to adequately protect cryptic species such as Golden Moles and the Southern Tree Hyrax during the environmental impact assessment process. In this presentation, I detail how recent legislation which requires the incorporation of a web-based application, the Environmental Screening Tool, will improve the protection levels of Afrotheria species of conservation concern. We describe the process by which 11 species of conservation concern are incorporated into the screening tool, what this tells us of our current knowledge of their distribution and discuss the potential impact the EST may have on Afrotheria conservation going forward.
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12:40

12:45

Thanks
Thanks - Sabelo B Nkosi

12:45

13:00

Comfort Break 3

Track 3

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Nicholas Arnott
Young Champion - Charlton Thys

10:10

10:25

Ted Talks - “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: What does it mean for South Africa? “.
To support and scale-up global restoration efforts, the United Nations (UN) has proclaimed 2021–2030 the, “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”. The Decade offers significant opportunities for and challenges to restoration. Being one of the most degraded continents in the world, Africa has a large need and potential for restoration. We thus argue that the Decade must be a success in and for Africa, and for this to happen, opportunities for and challenges to achieving its goals must be promptly id...
To support and scale-up global restoration efforts, the United Nations (UN) has proclaimed 2021–2030 the, “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”. The Decade offers significant opportunities for and challenges to restoration. Being one of the most degraded continents in the world, Africa has a large need and potential for restoration. We thus argue that the Decade must be a success in and for Africa, and for this to happen, opportunities for and challenges to achieving its goals must be promptly identified and considered in the planning and implementation of restoration. Here, we outline six key areas that need to be given due regard by African countries during the Decade. These include: (1) leveraging the Decade to meet continental and international commitments; (2) augmenting the goals set for the Decade with specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives; (3) making restoration a priority; (4) fostering capacity building; (5) collaborating to improve restoration outcomes; and (6) promoting multiple evidence-based restoration. Although the specific actions to be taken under each key area are dependent on the restoration context, integrating these key areas in the planning and implementation of restoration efforts will likely lead to improved restoration outcomes during the Decade.
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10:25

10:40

Lightning Talk -“An Overview of the South African Energy Sector and its Role in Climate Adaptation through Reduced Carbon Emitting Technologies”.
The South African (SA) renewables industry has been in operation for 10 years and has experienced rapid growth since its inception. There are currently over 2000 MW being supplied to the South African Grid. With this development, there have been approximately three iterations of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which is a living document developed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). This provides the energy technology plans for the country with the latest version providi...
The South African (SA) renewables industry has been in operation for 10 years and has experienced rapid growth since its inception. There are currently over 2000 MW being supplied to the South African Grid. With this development, there have been approximately three iterations of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which is a living document developed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). This provides the energy technology plans for the country with the latest version providing projections for energy up to 2030. International drivers for energy policy are largely driven by the need for sources that are clean, affordable, and accessible. These drivers are adapted into SA’s energy planning and are accounted for in the IRP. The presentation will have a future look at the renewables sector in South Africa and what that means for carbon emissions, decommissioning of coal power stations and the plans to retrofit old power stations into gas power stations. It will also look at the IRP 2019 and other emerging energy sources for greening the energy sector locally and internationally.
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10:40

10:45

Thanks
Thanks - Nicholas Arnott

10:45

10:55

Comfort Break 1

10:55

11:00

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Nicholas Arnott
Young Champion - Charlton Thys

11:00

11:20

Oral Paper - "Climate Change Assessment: Is EIA Fit for Purpose".
According to the UN, 2019 was globally the second warmest year on record and over recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the frequency and severity of national disasters. Yet only 85 countries have completed their national disaster risk reduction strategies, aligned to the Sendai Framework. South Africa has various approved and draft climate change-related policies and strategies in place, including its national disaster risk reduction strategy, in line with the obligations...
According to the UN, 2019 was globally the second warmest year on record and over recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the frequency and severity of national disasters. Yet only 85 countries have completed their national disaster risk reduction strategies, aligned to the Sendai Framework. South Africa has various approved and draft climate change-related policies and strategies in place, including its national disaster risk reduction strategy, in line with the obligations of the Paris Agreement. Achieving these national goals will contribute to achieving the targets of SDG13 on Climate Action. As in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the EIA legislation has not kept pace with the level of climate change policy and strategy development. While there is no mention of climate change per se in either NEMA or the EIA Regulations, it could be inferred through indirect references to e.g., ‘physical environmental impacts’, ‘risks’ and ‘other relevant government guidance documents’ such as the National Climate Risk and Vulnerability (CRV) Assessment Framework (2020). This creates a lack of legal certainty as to what should be included in an EIA or not, and what a climate change study should encompass. This uncertainty is exacerbated by inconsistencies in the requirements of many international financial institutions. Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus amongst practitioners that all category ‘A’ projects (and where relevant, category ‘B’ projects as well) should be subjected to a CCRA and a GHG emissions analysis. Most of the emerging methodologies are extremely cumbersome and time-consuming and therefore the question arises – is project-level EIA the most suitable tool to assess climate risks? This paper examines where SEA can play a much greater role in addressing CRV at national, regional, or municipal level, and where EIA can contribute to meeting our Paris Agreement obligations and SDG13 targets.
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11:20

11:40

Oral Paper - "Climate Change [in] Impact Assessment, Requirements, Reduction and Risks".
Local and international requirements for the consideration of climate change in impact assessment are explored. Through outlining best practice in Climate Change Impact Assessment, we demonstrate how Integrated Environmental Management, through impact assessment, can help facilitate reduction in GHG emissions through implementation of innovative technology and clean energy or by influencing design in the earlier phases of the project life cycle. We highlight how impact assessment can assist in i...
Local and international requirements for the consideration of climate change in impact assessment are explored. Through outlining best practice in Climate Change Impact Assessment, we demonstrate how Integrated Environmental Management, through impact assessment, can help facilitate reduction in GHG emissions through implementation of innovative technology and clean energy or by influencing design in the earlier phases of the project life cycle. We highlight how impact assessment can assist in identifying and addressing climate risk as well as suitable and practical management measures to ensure resilience, either through adaptation or mitigation, of projects/developments and surrounding communities. We demonstrate, through selected case studies, how Greenhouse Gas emissions have been quantified and assessed with a view to encouraging climate action and alternative approaches. We further demonstrate how climate risk is identified and assessed and then responded to in terms of disaster prevention and response, and proposed adaptation through design. We aim to illustrate the importance of assessing both the impact of the project on climate change and the impact of climate change on the project.
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11:40

12:00

Oral Paper - "Real World Application of Climate Change Risk Assessments".
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the attention given to climate change, the vulnerability of new and existing projects to the risks/impacts of climate change, and the contribution of new and existing projects to climate change. This raises the question, to what extent is Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) delivering a reduction in the impact of climate change, risk mitigation, disaster responses, and the deployment of innovative technologies? To answer this questi...
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the attention given to climate change, the vulnerability of new and existing projects to the risks/impacts of climate change, and the contribution of new and existing projects to climate change. This raises the question, to what extent is Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) delivering a reduction in the impact of climate change, risk mitigation, disaster responses, and the deployment of innovative technologies? To answer this question, this paper presents examples from actual climate change risk assessments to illustrate how IEM can deliver a reduction in the impact of climate change, risk mitigation, disaster responses, and the deployment of innovative technologies. This includes examples of where climate change risk assessments were used to: (1) Apply for funding to replace existing carbon intensive technologies with less carbon intensive technologies; (2) Motivate for the selection of less carbon intensive technology over a more carbon intensive technology; and (3) Highlight the climate change risks to an existing project resulting in the consideration of additional risk mitigation measures This paper further presents a discussion on some of the shortfalls of climate change risks assessments and how this prevents IEM from delivering a meaningful reduction. This includes for example, the lack of access to downscaled climate change information, the lack of detailed, technical project information, and where in the planning process climate change risk assessments generally fit in.
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12:00

12:20

Oral Paper - "Size Matters: Carbon Footprint Assessment in Impact Assessment to Mitigate Climate
Carbon Footprint Assessment (CFA) is an established tool for measuring and managing Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions and thus mitigating climate change. CFA has application in manufacturing, construction, and operational phases of organisations and development. CFA is also applicable to service provision industries. Many of the development projects that are assessed by environmental assessment practitioners in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involve buildings or concrete structures of some ...
Carbon Footprint Assessment (CFA) is an established tool for measuring and managing Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions and thus mitigating climate change. CFA has application in manufacturing, construction, and operational phases of organisations and development. CFA is also applicable to service provision industries. Many of the development projects that are assessed by environmental assessment practitioners in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involve buildings or concrete structures of some form. Buildings are responsible for approximately one third of global GHG emissions primarily through their energy requirements being largely met by the use of fossil fuels. While buildings are assessed with respect to their spatial and visual footprint, they are not specifically assessed in EIA in terms of the carbon footprint and thus the buildings contribution to climate. Including CFA as part of the EIA, will provide project specific mitigation measures that directly reduce GHG emissions and thus impacts on climate change. In the light of global climate change, CFA should be included in EIA. The question is at what stage of the EIA should a CFA be undertaken? Can it be incorporated into the EIA report?
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12:20

12:40

Oral Paper - "Water-centric Approach in Assessing the Water-Energy-Climate Change Nexus in South Africa".
It is increasingly acknowledged that the water-energy-climate change (WECC) nexus is one of the synergies that pose a significant risk to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically numbers six, seven and thirteen. There are suggestions that climate change outcomes such as increased temperature and drought episodes have implications for water availability, which in turn affects energy production in countries dependent on hydropower, pump-storage, or coal-generated electrici...
It is increasingly acknowledged that the water-energy-climate change (WECC) nexus is one of the synergies that pose a significant risk to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically numbers six, seven and thirteen. There are suggestions that climate change outcomes such as increased temperature and drought episodes have implications for water availability, which in turn affects energy production in countries dependent on hydropower, pump-storage, or coal-generated electricity, including South Africa. This development therefore calls for improved understanding of how to effectively manage the challenges that arise from this nexus, to mitigate the impacts it may have on achieving the associated SDGs. This study, which is based on an in-depth appraisal of existing developments, assessed the potential of the integrated water resource management framework in understanding the WECC nexus and its implications for South Africa’s sustainable development endeavours, particularly in the context of water resource management and utilisation. The study revealed South Africa’s lack of integrated, effective, and efficient institutions and policy framework to comprehensively manage the challenges emanating from this nexus. It identified an urgent need to develop systems and processes through which South Africa can handle the challenges as well as capture the benefits that may be obtained from this nexus.
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12:40

12:45

Thanks
Thanks - Nicholas Arnott

12:45

13:00

Comfort Break 3

Track 1

08:00

08:05

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Abulele Adams
Young Champion - Aaliyah Shah

08:05

08:35

LEAD SPEAKER: SUB-THEME 3 - “Policies for a Just (Energy) Transition in South Africa”
The need for a ‘just transition’ to an inclusive green economy, to ensure that vulnerable stakeholders are better off through the transition process, or at least not negatively impacted by it, will be introduced. The three key dimensions of a just transition (procedural, distributive, and restorative justice) will be unpacked. Highlighting that a wide range of understanding (and ambition) exists among stakeholders, the presentation will discuss the various conceptions of a just transition. Princ...
The need for a ‘just transition’ to an inclusive green economy, to ensure that vulnerable stakeholders are better off through the transition process, or at least not negatively impacted by it, will be introduced. The three key dimensions of a just transition (procedural, distributive, and restorative justice) will be unpacked. Highlighting that a wide range of understanding (and ambition) exists among stakeholders, the presentation will discuss the various conceptions of a just transition. Principles for an ambitious just transition will be defined in the process. Then, the policy toolbox available to foster each dimension of transitional justice will be discussed, while also unpacking key issues which must be addressed in the process of defining and implementing a just transition. Finally, this conceptual framework will be applied to the coal value chain in South Africa.
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08:35

09:05

Lead Speaker Theme 3 - Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Strategy – Opportunities for Low Carbon, Socially Inclusive Growth & Local Industrialisation.
For many, Change may induce a myriad of conflicting feelings. Change can be seen as good and as bad, as progressive and regressive and even exhilarating or daunting. Another word for change that is finding itself in our daily vocabulary is Transition. These mixed feelings described here can be applied to the transition we face in the electricity sector as a country and as an organisation. To see the benefits of positive change we often need to be open to new information and novel experiences. It...
For many, Change may induce a myriad of conflicting feelings. Change can be seen as good and as bad, as progressive and regressive and even exhilarating or daunting. Another word for change that is finding itself in our daily vocabulary is Transition. These mixed feelings described here can be applied to the transition we face in the electricity sector as a country and as an organisation. To see the benefits of positive change we often need to be open to new information and novel experiences. It is clear that the transition to a new pathway for the country is inevitable. It is a change that will bring about sustainable electricity supply, decoupled from emissions; a healthier environment and society; opportunities for new and exciting career paths and a thriving economy. This is change, daunting at first but with the promise of an exhilarating future. Eskom has developed a comprehensive JET strategy to detail how this can be achieved, together with the requisite financing for implementation of such a plan. These plans will be shared with the conference.
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09:05

09:35

Lead Speaker Sub-Theme 4
In 2016, nations ratified a global agreement on climate change, the Paris Agreement, committing to ambitious efforts to keep global average temperature rise to well below 2 ̊C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 ̊C. The Paris Agreement also commits to increasing the resilience of countries to the impacts of climate change. C40's aim is that every city should have developed and begun implementing a climate action plan before the end of 2020, which w...
In 2016, nations ratified a global agreement on climate change, the Paris Agreement, committing to ambitious efforts to keep global average temperature rise to well below 2 ̊C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 ̊C. The Paris Agreement also commits to increasing the resilience of countries to the impacts of climate change. C40's aim is that every city should have developed and begun implementing a climate action plan before the end of 2020, which will deliver action consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement – an integrated and inclusive plan that addresses the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and deliver wider social, environmental and economic benefits.
This presentation highlights how C40 cities are ensuring that cities in Africa are developing solid climate action plans that do not leave anyone behind. The C40 Inclusive Climate Action recognises that climate change is inextricably linked to the challenge of creating a more equal world. Climate actions bring economic and environmental benefits, such as better air quality, low-cost renewable energy, and employment opportunities. It is critical that these benefits and opportunities are shared equitably, and that cities achieve a ‘just’ transition by, for example, ensuring that workers in the fossil fuel industry can access the new green jobs that will be created. This is even more important for a green and just recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.
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09:35

09:55

Information Session - Sub Theme 4: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) governance structures and Integrated Indicator Framework (IIF)
South Africa as a signatory to UN resolutions is obligated to produce a SDG country report. In the past the country produced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals saw the number of indicators that countries are expected to report on increasing exponentially. During the previous MDGs and SDG reporting, South Africa, through Statistics South Africa as a national coordinator to produce the country report, established structures to guide the repor...
South Africa as a signatory to UN resolutions is obligated to produce a SDG country report. In the past the country produced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals saw the number of indicators that countries are expected to report on increasing exponentially. During the previous MDGs and SDG reporting, South Africa, through Statistics South Africa as a national coordinator to produce the country report, established structures to guide the reporting process. Sectoral Working Groups (SWGs) were established along SDGs (social, economic, environment and governance) to review the indicators, collect indicators values and metadata. The SWG also domesticated some of the indicators. Further, a report drafting team was constituted to guide the reporting process. These structures were accountable to a National Coordinating Committee (NCC). To ensure national ownership of the report, there was extensive consultations across sectors. Stakeholders across different sectors were invited to serve on the SWG, NCC and Expanded Report Writing Team. Statistics South Africa served as the secretariat for the SDG. Experience of international reporting reveal that there is still a shortage of data to report on the indicators. As a result of this, Statistics South Africa embarked on a process of defining the demand for statistics in the country. This resulted in the development of the Integrated Indicators Framework (IIF). The IIF is a compendium of national and international indicators. This framework will ensure ease of both national and international reporting.
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09:55

10:00

Thanks
Thanks - Abulele Adams

10:00

10:10

Break into Sessions

10:10

10:15

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Jurie Moolman
Young Champion - Sibabalwe Kwanina

10:15

10:30

Ted Talk - Circular Economy from an African Perspective: Imagine the Opportunities
Circular economy has become the latest term in the sustainability space and seems to be getting a similar amount of attention as to when the term Sustainable Development was coined. The circular economy is not a new concept though. It has been repackaged in a very clever way, a way that we can use to leverage real change, more so than terms previously used. Why is it so different? An integral part of circular economy is systems thinking. To understand something properly, the parts must be under...
Circular economy has become the latest term in the sustainability space and seems to be getting a similar amount of attention as to when the term Sustainable Development was coined. The circular economy is not a new concept though. It has been repackaged in a very clever way, a way that we can use to leverage real change, more so than terms previously used. Why is it so different? An integral part of circular economy is systems thinking. To understand something properly, the parts must be understood in relation to the whole. This is very rarely done in practice, especially as the current economy is built on a linear trajectory of extraction, manufacture, consume, dispose in simple terms. Very rarely is the whole system considered. We have come to accept the existence of waste as an inevitable consequence of our economy. The core principles of the circular economy as outlined by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation include designing out waste and pollution; keeping products and materials in use; and regenerating natural systems. What do these mean in an African context and how do we implement circularity? Can we use circularity to rebuild South Africa taking into account the diverse and many socio-economic challenges not to mention the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on the economy and livelihoods? Understanding the intention of circularity and the principles will assist to outline the variety of opportunities and benefits of transitioning to a circular economy. It is necessary to demystify what circular economy is not.
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10:30

10:35

Thanks
Thanks - Jurie Moolman

10:35

10:45

Comfort Break 1

10:45

10:50

Session Introduction
Session Chair- Jurie Moolman
Young Champion - Sibabalwe Kwinana

10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - "The Critical Role Nature Plays in Underpinning Societal Resilience".
The concept of the Anthropocene is now just more than a decade old, and the recommendations made by the authors appear not to have been taken seriously by society as a whole. If they had, it is likely that the dynamics responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic might have been better managed thus preventing the pandemic and its associated impacts. However, this has not been the case and we are now well beyond a year of living with the pandemic. It may be safely assumed that many in society long for a...
The concept of the Anthropocene is now just more than a decade old, and the recommendations made by the authors appear not to have been taken seriously by society as a whole. If they had, it is likely that the dynamics responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic might have been better managed thus preventing the pandemic and its associated impacts. However, this has not been the case and we are now well beyond a year of living with the pandemic. It may be safely assumed that many in society long for a return to what they knew, or business as usual. This will be particularly true for those most severely impacted on from a business and/or livelihoods perspective. The reality is though that we simply cannot afford to return to a ‘business-as-usual’ way of life. Much has been written since the outbreak of this pandemic that calls very clearly for a ‘new normal’ where nature is recognised as underpinning societal resilience. This paper will discuss some of this work and illustrate how critical is it for society at large to recognise and invest in securing and restoring the integrity of natural areas, be these terrestrial, fresh water and/or marine. It will end with making the case for environmental management decision-making processes to strongly embrace this reality to enhance the value of the discipline and the contribution we make to societal resilience.
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11:10

11:30

Oral Paper - "The Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact of Water Consumption and Wastewater in the Tourism Industry in South Africa".
Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, creating sustainable jobs, driving exports, and supporting the sustainable livelihoods of many individuals and households across the world. Tourism is a labour-intensive industry, making a significant contribution to employment sector of South Africa, with the sector directly supporting 726,500 jobs (4.5% of total employment) in 2017. While tourism is one of the main driving forces behind economic growth it can also have serious negative en...
Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, creating sustainable jobs, driving exports, and supporting the sustainable livelihoods of many individuals and households across the world. Tourism is a labour-intensive industry, making a significant contribution to employment sector of South Africa, with the sector directly supporting 726,500 jobs (4.5% of total employment) in 2017. While tourism is one of the main driving forces behind economic growth it can also have serious negative environmental impacts, especially with regard to water resources. The water demand of the tourism sector can have serious implication to the water consumption and availability of regions, particularly in areas where water is scarce and in areas, which experience an influx of tourists during peak season. Although the tourism sector is a highly responsive and flexible industry, adapting to demand, activities, and markets, as well as economic, social, ecological, and technological changes and challenges. Water security and restrictions, due to drought, pose a distinct challenge to the tourism sector. The tourism industry will in future, experience difficulties in efficiently managing scarcer and less reliable water resources while serving more guests - they must do more with less. The sector will need to explore innovative solutions, re-imagining the way water is used (and reused) to improve water use efficiency. The tourism industry will need to consider recent technology advances for the provision of water and sanitation that are more effective and efficient, while being simple, low-cost, and having limited energy dependence. This paper analyses the impact of the tourism industry on water consumption and wastewater generation in South Africa, identifying innovative solutions based on best-practice outcomes that will support sustainable economic growth in the sector.
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11:30

11:50

Oral Paper - "Measuring Management Perceptions of Responsible Tourism Development as an IEM Approach in SANParks in Support of the SDG’s: Learning from the Kruger National Park".
Responsible Tourism (RT) implies that all parties involved in the tourism sector are responsible for making sure that all activities taking place are of a sustainable nature, and that consideration is given to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social integrity. IEM instruments such as “EIA and sustainable tourism initiatives aspire to contribute to sustainable development” by “creating a better life for all people” through achieving the goals of sustainable development. The Kruger...
Responsible Tourism (RT) implies that all parties involved in the tourism sector are responsible for making sure that all activities taking place are of a sustainable nature, and that consideration is given to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social integrity. IEM instruments such as “EIA and sustainable tourism initiatives aspire to contribute to sustainable development” by “creating a better life for all people” through achieving the goals of sustainable development. The Kruger National Park (KNP) and the South African National Parks (SANParks) are key role-players in the tourism and conservation sectors in South Africa and have acknowledged and started to implement Responsible Tourism practices into their strategic model. As stakeholders play a key role in RT, this study aimed to determine management perceptions of RT development in the KNP, to assist SANParks achieve their RT goals and as an Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) approach to aid in achieving the SDG’s. A qualitative methodological approach was applied for achieving the objective through semi-structured interviews with seven KNP managers to measure perceptions against SANS 1162:2011 criteria. The interviews with employees revealed that there are some RT aspects that are considered to a greater extent than others. It was also found that, despite generally good performance regarding RT aspects, employees find that there are two major stumbling blocks that are hindering SANParks from implementing RT practices in the parks. For SANParks to reach their RT goals, they can consider addressing these gaps, as the core of RT is that of behaviour and actions taken. Emphasis must be on how all those involved in the KNP and SANParks can alter their behaviour to “make better places for people to live in, and better places for people to visit”.
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11:50

12:10

Oral Paper -"Mechanisms for Integrating the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus into Integrated Environmental Management: A Mpumalanga Case Study ".
The Mpumalanga Province provides the majority of South Africa’s coal for energy production, where over 60% of the surface area is subject to mining rights or prospecting right applications. As productive land tends to coincide with high concentrations of coal reserves, Mpumalanga also accounts for almost half of South Africa’s high potential arable land. Food security is under threat by both operative coal mining activities as well as derelict and ownerless mines, leaving soil highly disturbed. ...
The Mpumalanga Province provides the majority of South Africa’s coal for energy production, where over 60% of the surface area is subject to mining rights or prospecting right applications. As productive land tends to coincide with high concentrations of coal reserves, Mpumalanga also accounts for almost half of South Africa’s high potential arable land. Food security is under threat by both operative coal mining activities as well as derelict and ownerless mines, leaving soil highly disturbed. Water use for mining-, agriculture- and energy production in this province is also becoming increasingly strained. The water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus provides a framework through which to evaluate resource security in a holistic manner, which could aid in contributing to integrated environmental management (IEM). In this study, the interconnectedness of water, energy, food, and ecosystems, with their resultant trade-offs, is assessed for Mpumalanga to motivate for a just transition to affordable and clean energy, particularly in the case of disturbed and abandoned lands. Using the WEFE nexus framework, the potential of renewable energy is investigated with a focus on sustainable mine closure initiatives.
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12:10

12:30

Lightning Talk - "A Zero-waste Multi-criteria Decision-support Model for the Iron and Steel Industry in Developing Countries: A Case-study“.
The iron and steel industry is a major global industry that consumes vast quantities of energy and causes environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions and industrial waste generation, treatment, and disposal. There is a need to manage complex iron and steel industrial waste in Africa, which requires a system engineering approach to zero waste management as informed by multi-criteria decision-making. The purpose of the current study was to develop a hybrid four-step multi-criteria d...
The iron and steel industry is a major global industry that consumes vast quantities of energy and causes environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions and industrial waste generation, treatment, and disposal. There is a need to manage complex iron and steel industrial waste in Africa, which requires a system engineering approach to zero waste management as informed by multi-criteria decision-making. The purpose of the current study was to develop a hybrid four-step multi-criteria decision-support model, the i-ZEWATA (Industrial Zero Waste Tiered Analysis). I-ZEWATA acts as a road map to understand, design, assess, and evaluate the iron and steel industrial waste systems with the ultimate objective of moving towards and achieving a zero-waste footprint. The results demonstrate that iron and steel waste can be identified, visualized, prioritized, and managed to promote zero waste by applying a system-engineered approach. Additionally, relationship patterns to environmental, social, operational, and economic aspects with system behavioural patterns and outcomes were identified. It was clear from the case study in South Africa that, although technology and solution investment is essential, waste management, valorization, and treatment components require a concerted effort to improve industrial waste operational management through effective zero-waste decision-support towards a circular economy.
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12:30

12:35

Thanks
Thanks - Jurie Moolman

12:35

12:50

Comfort Break 2

12:50

13:50

Panel Discussion - "INCENTIVES AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION: TOWARDS LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES".

13:50

14:50

Panel Discussion - "DECARBONIZATION AND RENEWABLES: A NEW SET OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS TO MITIGATE".

14:50

15:20

STEWARDSHIP
Host - Abulele Adams and Monique Sham
Young Champion - Nkosinathi Sithole

Track 2

10:10

10:15

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Robyn Mellett
Young Champion - Nhlanhla Khoza

10:15

10:30

Ted Talk - "Facilitating Sustainable Closure through a Circular Green Economy to ensure a Just Transition in the Mpumalanga Coal Fields.".
The Mine Water Coordinating Body (MWCB) platform was established in 2017 by five coal mining companies, Eskom, national government and various NPA’s to ensure a Just Transition through the principles of a circular green economy during mine and power station closure in the Upper Olifants Basin, Mpumalanga Province. This economic system is aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources that could be a risk for mining companies due the reduction in demand for raw materials but with a...
The Mine Water Coordinating Body (MWCB) platform was established in 2017 by five coal mining companies, Eskom, national government and various NPA’s to ensure a Just Transition through the principles of a circular green economy during mine and power station closure in the Upper Olifants Basin, Mpumalanga Province. This economic system is aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources that could be a risk for mining companies due the reduction in demand for raw materials but with appropriate planning it can be a positive social, economic, and environmental opportunity. Having a social license to operate is now crucial for any business to ensure smooth operation and sustainability. The MWCB joined the Impact Catalyst in January 2021 as there was a synergy in mandates. Together it has developed 12 projects that will pilot the green circular economy concept using renewable energy to power ICT systems for training and work opportunities through the treatment and fit-for-purpose use of process affected water, industrial and mine land and unused infrastructure.
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10:30

10:35

Thanks
Thanks - Robyn Mellett

10:35

10:45

Comfort Break 1

10:45

10:50

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Robyn Mellett
Young Champion - Nhlanhla Khoza

10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - “A Decision Support Tool for Improved Performance of Mined-land Rehabilitation by Digital Environmental Sensing and Bayesian Modelling ”.
Mined-land rehabilitation is a complex process involving decisions on multiple inter-acting management interventions, site characteristics and climatic conditions. A simple, recipe-based approach to rehabilitation design may be prone to poor outcomes where individual factors are ignored, or the interaction between factors influencing performance is not considered. Bayesian modelling allows exploration of the conditional probability of an outcome given the prior probability or state of other int...
Mined-land rehabilitation is a complex process involving decisions on multiple inter-acting management interventions, site characteristics and climatic conditions. A simple, recipe-based approach to rehabilitation design may be prone to poor outcomes where individual factors are ignored, or the interaction between factors influencing performance is not considered. Bayesian modelling allows exploration of the conditional probability of an outcome given the prior probability or state of other interacting factors. Unlike many other modelling approaches, Bayesian modelling uses probabilistic, rather than deterministic expressions to characterise the strength of relationships between variables. Bayesian models can integrate a range of data types (including expert opinion) where data are limiting. Recent advances in digital environmental sensing using proximal and remote platforms have significantly expanded the capacity to collect high-resolution site data. This sensing technology enables full quantitative enumeration of site characteristics affecting the stability or erodibility of rehabilitated sites and enables improved parameterisation of Bayesian models. The use of digital environmental sensing to populate a Bayesian model-based decision support tool describing erosion performance outcomes to inform mine rehabilitation design in complex environments will be discussed.
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11:10

11:30

Oral Paper - "From Cradle to Grave - the EAP's Role in Mine Planning and Closure".
Budgetary constraints on ESIA processes, short project timeframes and poor planning can result in higher long-term costs of mining and mine closure. For mine planning to be effective, mining engineers should not be the only role players taking responsibility for this phase. Mines should also proactively prepare for closure from inception, to avoid underbudgeting and mitigate persistent future liabilities related to the eventual closure. This presentation provides insights based on lessons learnt...
Budgetary constraints on ESIA processes, short project timeframes and poor planning can result in higher long-term costs of mining and mine closure. For mine planning to be effective, mining engineers should not be the only role players taking responsibility for this phase. Mines should also proactively prepare for closure from inception, to avoid underbudgeting and mitigate persistent future liabilities related to the eventual closure. This presentation provides insights based on lessons learnt from two separate mining projects currently underway in South Africa. The first project is in the planning phase and the second in the closure phase. Arguments will be made for involving the EAP at the onset of mine planning to facilitate early risk identification relating to site location, attributes, and ecological sensitivity; proposed mine layouts and infrastructure designs; authorisation potential of ESIA applications; as well as future closure requirements for the mine. Methods such as closure provision reporting, and predictive closure stability models will be discussed as tools to be used for sustainable mine rehabilitation and closure planning. Involving the EAP as an integration specialist in the project planning phase allows for legislative requirements, specialist inputs and engineering designs to be comprehensively considered ahead of time and fosters collaboration between role players. Integrated project planning from the onset contributes to mitigating social, environmental, and economic risks which may not be evident in a standard impact assessment process.
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11:30

11:50

Oral Paper - "The Value of An Experienced Environmental Control Officer and Early Communication in Ensuring the Implementation of EIA Mitigation Measures in a Mining Case Study".
Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants (J&W) was appointed to undertake independent environmental audits for a particular project. Monthly audits of the site were undertaken by an experienced Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to ensure compliance with various Environmental Authorisations (EAs), from the pre-construction phase through to post-rehabilitation. According to the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the applicant (the Client) would be held liable for any ...
Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants (J&W) was appointed to undertake independent environmental audits for a particular project. Monthly audits of the site were undertaken by an experienced Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to ensure compliance with various Environmental Authorisations (EAs), from the pre-construction phase through to post-rehabilitation. According to the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the applicant (the Client) would be held liable for any environmental transgressions that may arise, therefore identifying and addressing any non-conformances throughout the process was given high priority by the applicant. Using this project as a case study, the methodology and a summary of the results of the monthly audit reports are presented to demonstrate the value of an independent experienced ECO through the increase in compliance with the EAs over time, thus arguing that an on-site ECO and their integrated interaction with various on-site role players (contract manager, environmental manager, etc.) is vital in order to provide worth to the mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This paper aims to promote that on-the-ground, proactive feedback and integration from an ECO allows for better environmental management, demonstrating one avenue for ensuring that IEM is delivering the desired mitigation of impacts, provided that the measures proposed in the EIA are implemented through compliance monitoring. From our experience, it is the value of an ECO’s practical environmental knowledge that is advantageous in pre-empting any environmental issues. In addition, the perspective of an on-site design engineer will also be presented. One of the critical aspects that promotes compliance is the ECO’s proactiveness in providing immediate, constant feedback on recommended mitigation actions as they are identified. The above case will demonstrate improvement in compliance over time (and thus environmental preservation of ecological integrity) because of the experience of the ECO.
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11:50

12:10

Oral Paper - "Mine Affected Lands Climate Adaptation and Returning Land Use".
The clean energy transition comes with an increased demand in minerals and metals. Sustainable extraction of minerals and metals includes the recognition of mining as a temporary land use, which requires both new and operational mines to consider the mine affected lands returning land use from day one. A returning land use vision articulates what a mine wants to achieve post-closure and the legacy it wishes to leave behind. Mining operations commonly agree to a post-closure returning land use th...
The clean energy transition comes with an increased demand in minerals and metals. Sustainable extraction of minerals and metals includes the recognition of mining as a temporary land use, which requires both new and operational mines to consider the mine affected lands returning land use from day one. A returning land use vision articulates what a mine wants to achieve post-closure and the legacy it wishes to leave behind. Mining operations commonly agree to a post-closure returning land use that provides similar ecological function to that prior to disturbance. However, closure timeframes can be more than 100 years, so any returning land use plan is subject to both changes in climate and socioeconomic demands. When considering socioeconomic demands, supporting infrastructure and land value there is an opportunity to consider future land use options beyond ecological functionality. Mine affected lands may present opportune locations for renewable energy projects like solar arrays, wind turbines, or pumped storage hydropower. A robust closure plan has the resiliency and capacity for adaptation over the long-term timeframe and creates the potential to realize value in the future land use. Development of a robust closure plan requires a conceptual risk management framework that communicates both the complexities of the detailed closure design, and the future potential of the land. Risk can be most appropriately defined as the probability and consequence of a scenario. By combining the likelihood occurrence for various climate outcomes with the magnitude of potential consequences for the land, risk-based design criteria can be developed. Through identification of key risk mechanisms, and the development of monitoring plans associated with them, an integrated mine closure plan can be developed that is truly adaptive and that preserves returning land use value and potential.
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12:10

12:30

Oral Paper - "Meeting Clean Energy Targets through Renewable Energy – Net Zero Carbon Emissions".
Net – Zero Carbons is the world target in perusing the drive to achieve sustainability through related goals that increase use of renewable energy resources. Renewable Energy is seen as the solution to Climate Change, where investors, financial intermediaries, regulators, non-government organizations and corporations, have invested and sponsored trillion of Dollars in Renewable Energy across emerging markets in the last decade, and yet Africa may not be ready for the impacts and aspects of such...
Net – Zero Carbons is the world target in perusing the drive to achieve sustainability through related goals that increase use of renewable energy resources. Renewable Energy is seen as the solution to Climate Change, where investors, financial intermediaries, regulators, non-government organizations and corporations, have invested and sponsored trillion of Dollars in Renewable Energy across emerging markets in the last decade, and yet Africa may not be ready for the impacts and aspects of such technology. It is important to understand that although Renewable Energy brings a clean energy resource and assists with the drive towards Net-Zero Carbon emissions, the key to combating the human contribution to climate change, is not just Carbon emissions alone, clean energy also has impacts that need to be mitigated and managed. Is Africa equipped to prevent or mitigate the environmental impacts from this new technology, from small to large? With, NGO’s, funders and investors all preparing Africa to be equipped for a resilient world. In this pursuit to clean energy or renewable energy the environment physically and socially is affected differently by Battery Storage, Solar energy, Wind generation, hydro power, mini grids, bio gas power, Solar Home Systems etc. As Environmental Practitioner we contribute in the adjustment towards green energy solutions by developing real solutions for avoidance, recycling, reusing and mitigation. This presentation will explore renewable energy in relations to impacts and mitigation actions prescribed and will contemplate the new green energy world. Campaigning against climate change is not just for protesters, but for all of us, and is not just for other people, it is also for each of us and therefore we all need to have a holistic view of energy and the impacts and aspects they bring holistically once this approach is adopted, we may have Renewable energy being truly green.
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12:30

12:35

Thanks
Thanks - Robyn Mellett

12:35

12:50

Comfort Break 2

Track 3

10:10

10:15

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Lehlongono Mashego
Young Champion - Buhle Malatjie

10:15

10:30

Ted Talk - Examining Carbon Reporting, Low Carbon Mechanisms, and the use of a Cost of Carbon in the Management Decision Processes
Investigating the local South African regulatory and voluntary reporting programs and the influencing international reporting programs for Carbon and Renewable Energy Attributes and Procurement programs that filter down into the supply chain influencing operational activities, investments decisions and meeting the new supplier criteria in RFQ’s like management and reporting of group and operations GHG emissions, a procurement strategy and target for renewable or low carbon energy (electricity, ...
Investigating the local South African regulatory and voluntary reporting programs and the influencing international reporting programs for Carbon and Renewable Energy Attributes and Procurement programs that filter down into the supply chain influencing operational activities, investments decisions and meeting the new supplier criteria in RFQ’s like management and reporting of group and operations GHG emissions, a procurement strategy and target for renewable or low carbon energy (electricity, gas, steam…), a policy on the use of offsets, setting approved GHG reduction targets and a strategy for Net Zero by 2050. GHG management, can be overwhelming for small to medium-sized companies. Yet the urgency of today’s climate situation and the business benefits of tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions are too great to ignore. This session will endeavour to navigate the attendee through the process and technicalities of GHG reporting. Competition is something you cannot avoid in business. If your competition is effectively communicating its progress toward reducing its carbon footprint, you cannot afford not to. The environment and the company’s reputation will benefit from managing their carbon footprint. Sustainability is an opportunity to position a company as a leader in their specific business sector. This should also create valuable partnerships with other businesses that may become clients or vendors. Connecting with like-minded suppliers, vendors and partners can help reduce their carbon footprints because emissions from the supply chain equal +/- 5 ½ times the emissions from a company’s direct operations. By creating and enacting a plan to measure and report emissions data helps you hold your business accountable. It prepares you for regulatory and mandatory carbon reporting, which may become relevant when you expand operations to a new country or if your current jurisdiction increases requirements. A variety of strategies, such as companies recycling more waste, reusing more materials, and reducing their energy consumption can be applied. In a carbon tax environment like South Africa’s, these earth-friendly changes can reduce your overall tax burden. Nearly all businesses will be affected by the carbon tax, so it’s important to understand your reporting requirements and prepare for that process.
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10:30

10:35

Thanks
Thanks - Lehlongonolo Mashego

10:35

10:45

Comfort Break 1

10:45

10:50

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Lehlongonolo Mashego
Young Champion - Buhle Malatjie

10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - "Disposal of Sewage Sludge from Wastewater Treatment Works within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality".
Increase in sewage sludge production because of urbanisation and industrialisation has resulted in challenges in sludge disposal. Sludge disposal methods such as disposal to landfill, land application, incineration and disposal into the marine environment are commonly used. The aim of the study was to address sewage sludge disposal options for wastewater treatment works with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and recommend disposal methods that the municipality could use. Existing sludge...
Increase in sewage sludge production because of urbanisation and industrialisation has resulted in challenges in sludge disposal. Sludge disposal methods such as disposal to landfill, land application, incineration and disposal into the marine environment are commonly used. The aim of the study was to address sewage sludge disposal options for wastewater treatment works with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and recommend disposal methods that the municipality could use. Existing sludge data for six wastewater treatment works from the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality was used for sludge classification. The data included concentration for heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc. Total solids, volatile solids and volatile fatty acids and pH were also included. Only nitrogen content was available for nutrient data. Faecal coliforms and helminth ova data were used to measure the microbial content of the sludge. The South African Wastewater Sludge Classification System was used to classify the sludge according to microbial, pollutant and stability classes. The results of the classification implied that the sludge from all the treatment works must be disposed in a specifically engineered site with strict monitoring conditions or a hazardous landfill site. Furthermore, the agricultural use of the sludge is considered unfeasible due to the presence of pollutants in the sludge. It is recommended that methods of removal of heavy metals from sewage sludge be considered by the municipality. It is further recommended that the current disposal methods be evaluated as they could be unsuitable for the type of sludge produced. Key words: sewage sludge, sludge classification, sludge disposal, wastewater treatment works, pollutants, landfill.
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11:10

11:30

Oral Paper - "Integrated Mobility and Policy for a Highly Effective City".
A hometown study on, “Leveraging Urban Mobility Disruptions to Create Better Cities” is based on a recently completed course at MIT, which indicates that a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases is achievable through shared mobility principles, integrating transport modes for different parts of the journey, and introducing appropriate modes of choice depending on the distance travelled. Globally, transport accounts for around a quarter of global CO2 emissions. Shifting transport to more sustainable a...
A hometown study on, “Leveraging Urban Mobility Disruptions to Create Better Cities” is based on a recently completed course at MIT, which indicates that a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases is achievable through shared mobility principles, integrating transport modes for different parts of the journey, and introducing appropriate modes of choice depending on the distance travelled. Globally, transport accounts for around a quarter of global CO2 emissions. Shifting transport to more sustainable and suitable modes for the specific trip required (e.g., walking or cycling when travelling less than 500m or catching a bus for a 10km trip) and number of people, is vitally important.
Key elements of the study, research and anticipated ITS Strategy aspects will be discussed in detail, but can be briefly listed as: (1) The Future of Mobility: The future of mobility can be grouped into three 4IR disruption categories, namely electrification, automation, and connectivity; (2) Transit: Mass public transit must form the backbone of an integrated public transport system, which should also include shared and on-demand modes; (3) Micro-mobility: Transit as a main line is not flexible and must be supplemented by various feeder services. Micro-mobility is ideal with its flexibility as a first- or last-mile service to and from the mobility hub; (4) Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Vehicle Sharing: EVs are the future of transport, but market forces alone will not support substantial uptake of EVs because of affordability concerns. One of the key factors are EV import and battery costs; (4) Policy aspects: EVs can contribute to various Policy ambitions such as environmental and climate change, transport, public health, South Africa’s economy, and energy; (5) Smart Electricity Grid options: The biggest contributor, and game changer, will be our National Government, as they must enable regulation for smart grids, including incentives schemes.
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11:30

11:50

Oral Paper - "Exploring the Economic Growth-impact Assessment Nexus: Theory and Practice".
Economic growth fundamentally links to environmental impact as all economic activities ultimately dependent on natural resources. Economy-environmental interactions are, however, framed by different perspectives and interpretations. This research explored subjective perspectives on economic growth within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practice and possible influences on EIA outcomes. For the purpose of this research, EIA agents were categorised according to four EIA functions: Develop...
Economic growth fundamentally links to environmental impact as all economic activities ultimately dependent on natural resources. Economy-environmental interactions are, however, framed by different perspectives and interpretations. This research explored subjective perspectives on economic growth within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practice and possible influences on EIA outcomes. For the purpose of this research, EIA agents were categorised according to four EIA functions: Development Proponent, Environmental Assessment Practitioner, Civil Society and Regulating Authority. In applying the Q-methodology, research participants representing these agent categories, prioritised, and normatively ranked subjective statements on economic growth within the EIA process and environmental impact context. The results were quantified and statistically analysed, revealing how the EIA practice perceives economic growth. As a collective, the EIA practice was found to be rooted in economic growth, but voices emerged on the need for the practice to pursue alternative economic notions and opposing the primary influence of economic growth in the EIA process. According to agent clusters, Development Proponents patterned a predominant growth imperative with sustainability interest; EAPs aligned to policy objectives and political agenda; Civil Society associated with ethics and post-neoliberalism and the Regulating Authority challenged leading policy objectives. Of relevance to practice is the decision heuristics of individuals that clearly emerged from this research, and which stands in contrast to the technical-rational model on which the EIA is based. This possibly explains the EIA process’ poor handling of the highly polarised economic growth-impact assessment disconnect. Having described thought-patterns of active EIA agents for which there is little foothold in the EIA decision-making process, recommendations were made for further research to explore how practice can be equipped for economic growth pluralism and decision heuristics, towards sustainable forms of development.
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11:50

12:10

Oral Paper - "Pro-active Legal Application for an Emergency Mine Subsidence Situation".
An emergency situation, as defined under Government Notice (GN) 509 of 2016, means any emergency that developed that requires immediate intervention for continuation of existing essential service delivery. Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants was recently involved with a project where a high risk of drowning was identified in areas of subsidence. The subsided areas were due to the failure of the underground mine workings and the subsequent subsidence of the surface profile o...
An emergency situation, as defined under Government Notice (GN) 509 of 2016, means any emergency that developed that requires immediate intervention for continuation of existing essential service delivery. Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants was recently involved with a project where a high risk of drowning was identified in areas of subsidence. The subsided areas were due to the failure of the underground mine workings and the subsequent subsidence of the surface profile overlying the undermined area. The emergency situation was identified as a drowning event in a flooded area of subsidence. The timing of this emergency situation is of such a nature that it is unknown and could occur at any time during the rainy season, and therefore required immediate intervention to prevent it from occurring. The risk assessment undertaken to identify areas with a high health and safety risk in terms of drowning, and the proactive application submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), to undertake the remediation works, will be shared.
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12:10

12:30

Lightning Talk - "From Mathematical Probability to Social Phenomenon: Re-interpreting Risk for IEM”.
IEM and the tools covered by this term, have been built on the belief that we can rely on rational procedures and methods to anticipate outcomes of proposed projects. Arguably, this idea was plausible in the early days of impact assessment - back in the 1960s when conditions were more stable compared to the kaleidoscope world of today, in which people understandably feel as if they are living in a protracted state of crises. Notwithstanding efforts on behalf of scientists towards understanding c...
IEM and the tools covered by this term, have been built on the belief that we can rely on rational procedures and methods to anticipate outcomes of proposed projects. Arguably, this idea was plausible in the early days of impact assessment - back in the 1960s when conditions were more stable compared to the kaleidoscope world of today, in which people understandably feel as if they are living in a protracted state of crises. Notwithstanding efforts on behalf of scientists towards understanding complex systems and so-called “Anthropocene risks”, a pervasive disconnect between expert assessments and lay responses persists. Impact assessors are partial to a definition for risk as a product of probability and consequence. This interpretation is linked to the obligations that the institution imposes with respect to assessing and rating impacts. However, attention to how the word risk is used in contemporary everyday speech, reminds that it cannot be precisely measured because it is always in the making: an abstract notion that only “exists” for as long as long as it has not happened. This implies, firstly, that risk is not the exclusive prerogative of experts but has morphed into a social phenomenon, available to be appropriated by anyone, according to distinct desires, intentions, and worldviews. Secondly, risk is as much a product of thoughts, intuition, and discourse, as it is of calculation. Thus, to understand the phenomenon of risk, we must recognise that probabilistic ratings and weightings, constitute one facet of risk. With this contribution I offer an alternative three-pronged explanation of risk. This multifaceted rendition highlights the link between risk and social values missing from its customary definition. The benefit of this interpretation lies in its ability to explicate how stakeholders respond to proposals when neither trust nor certainty can be taken for granted.
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12:30

12:35

Thanks
Thanks - Lehlongonolo Mashego

12:35

12:50

Comfort Break 2

Track 1

08:00

08:05

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Greg Beyers
Young Champion - Nkosinathi Sithole

08:05

08:35

Lead Speaker : Sub-Theme 5 “Invisible, Food In-Secure and Informal – how do we learn to ‘see’ these community I&APs and mitigate impacts in a way that contributes to the first four Sustainable Development Goals”.
To meaningfully contribute towards addressing the problems of ‘poverty’ and ‘zero hunger’ in our world, we may need to first focus on ourselves. As practitioners we must increase our ability to recognise and better understand how projects or our actions can affect those at the very bottom of the economic pyramid. These are not those who may receive the jobs promised during construction, nor the community representatives we engaged with at the community meeting. These are the easily overlooked fo...
To meaningfully contribute towards addressing the problems of ‘poverty’ and ‘zero hunger’ in our world, we may need to first focus on ourselves. As practitioners we must increase our ability to recognise and better understand how projects or our actions can affect those at the very bottom of the economic pyramid. These are not those who may receive the jobs promised during construction, nor the community representatives we engaged with at the community meeting. These are the easily overlooked food insecure households on the fringes of the community and even individuals within a single household. These are the affected parties who often have livelihood strategies which are precarious, easily disrupted and set back without anyone noticing or raising the alarm. How do our assumptions, the data we collect and present, and the mitigation measures we design, affect these livelihoods and what can we change to increase their resilience and economic well-being?
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08:35

09:05

Lead Speaker: Sub-Theme 6 “Linking Environmental Policy and Legislation to SDGs: Progress and Challenges”.
Once draft policy or legislation is published for public input it is often difficult for the average citizen to ascertain the legislature’s perspective on the methods of achieving improved governance and social justice. Many of the 17 SDGs are linked to work done in the integrated environmental management field. Reducing inequality - in various forms – is part of that package deal and is identified as an important focus point in the SDGs. Lack of achieving social justice, especially in the South...
Once draft policy or legislation is published for public input it is often difficult for the average citizen to ascertain the legislature’s perspective on the methods of achieving improved governance and social justice. Many of the 17 SDGs are linked to work done in the integrated environmental management field. Reducing inequality - in various forms – is part of that package deal and is identified as an important focus point in the SDGs. Lack of achieving social justice, especially in the South African context, can undo any progress made towards improved IEM governance. SDGs create an ideal opportunity to link the realities of the average citizen to the aim of proposed IEM policy and legislation. Sustainable development can only be realised if the regulated community understands how individual laws and regulations intend to achieve water security, address climate change impacts, sustainable and responsible energy development, mining, etc. The DFFE is tasked with ensuring the achievement of sustainable development against the backdrop of the Constitution, the National Development Plan and now the internationally adopted SDGs. This presentation will focus on recent policy and legislative developments to reflect how the DFFE aims to enable sustainability through improved governance measures.
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09:05

09:10

Thanks
Thanks - Greg Beyers

09:10

09:15

Break Into Sessions

09:15

09:20

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Greg Beyers
Young Champion - Valentine Mhlanga

09:20

09:35

Ted Talk - “Legacy Mine Planning prior to EIAs and consequences thereof: Importance of SLPs”
For decades the mining industry has been the backbone of the South African economy through extraction of minerals for export and secondary industries. The mining industry has been providing inputs for other industrial sectors vital for sustaining the wellbeing of society and the economy. Notwithstanding the economic benefits, legacy mining has resulted in abandoned mine shafts and residues, that were primarily left unrehabilitated thus causing negative social and environmental impacts, through d...
For decades the mining industry has been the backbone of the South African economy through extraction of minerals for export and secondary industries. The mining industry has been providing inputs for other industrial sectors vital for sustaining the wellbeing of society and the economy. Notwithstanding the economic benefits, legacy mining has resulted in abandoned mine shafts and residues, that were primarily left unrehabilitated thus causing negative social and environmental impacts, through dust and pollution of water resources among others for host towns and their communities. The mining industry attracted labourers from rural areas within South Africa and neighbouring countries looking for economic opportunities, thus resulting in rapid population growth in mining cities and towns. This rapid population growth led to the creation of both formal and informal settlements near legacy mine sites that were not rehabilitated and prepared for sustainable development. Some informal settlements are living virtually on these legacy mine areas, exposing them to health and safety dangers. This phenomenon is prevalent in mining towns such as Johannesburg, Kimberly, Welkom, etc. Legacy mine areas continue to pose limitations on spatial planning and services provision by local municipalities in old mining towns. The mining sector has extracted huge profits from breaking virgin grounds while neglecting future development needs in these areas post mining. In excuse, mining companies cited the lack of environmental impact assessment requirements in past legislations. The need for environmental impact assessment were for the first time introduced into legislation in the Minerals Act, 1991 (Act No 50 of 1991) where mines were required to carry out mine environmental management for future development needs post mine closure. Subsequently, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) strengthened sustainable development as a requirement for all prospecting and mining projects to be planned and executed in a manner to ensure environmental, social, and economic benefit for both current and future generations. The MPRDA recognised the need to promote host communities and rural development through social upliftment of communities local to mining operations and reaffirmed equitable benefit to the country’s mineral and petroleum resources. As a result, mining houses are required to develop Social and Labour Plans to empower host and affected communities for sustainable development resultant from the extraction of these mineral resources. Mining houses are required to conduct needs assessments in the host communities to establish local economic development projects to uplift such communities. This is done in line with global best practices and guidelines and should be incorporated in the local Municipalities’ Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) in pursuit to align with sustainable development objectives.
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09:35

09:50

Lightning Talk - "Integrated Engagement for Improved Sustainability".
The legislated public participation process (PPP) and specialist social impact assessment are considered two distinct processes within South African Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The shortfalls of the “tick-box” PPP approach and lack of alignment with local social context can result in crucial engagement aspects being overlooked, often resulting in distrust and opposition. Integrating PPP and social assessment through applying a “Social Engagement” approach could help bring social susta...
The legislated public participation process (PPP) and specialist social impact assessment are considered two distinct processes within South African Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The shortfalls of the “tick-box” PPP approach and lack of alignment with local social context can result in crucial engagement aspects being overlooked, often resulting in distrust and opposition. Integrating PPP and social assessment through applying a “Social Engagement” approach could help bring social sustainability of communities to the forefront of the EIA process. Social Engagement incorporates two key goals. Firstly, to generate a clearer understanding of the local social context, and secondly to ensure inclusive engagement of stakeholders to add value to the practical and legal aspects of the EIA. There are three components of the Social Engagement Process. Firstly, to undertake Strategic Stakeholder Engagement to ensure comprehensive and co-operative consultation with key stakeholders. This should provide a robust foundation (and “social permission”) for public participation and social assessment. Secondly, to fulfil the legislated requirements for PPP. And thirdly, to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (or socio-economic) specialist study. The interconnection between these three components from the outset of planning and the EIA process is critical. This integration will identify critical stakeholders early on, ensure that stakeholders understand the project and process, and that there is close cross-reference between public engagement and social analysis. The Social Engagement approach, whether used for large complex projects or scaled down to achieve specialist efficiencies, could increase transparency, reduce distrust by stakeholders, and develop more sustainable social and environmental relationships.
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09:50

09:55

Thanks
Thanks - Greg Beyers

09:55

10:05

Comfort Break 1

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Louise Agenbag
Young Champion - Valentine Mhlanga

10:10

10:30

Oral Paper - "The Roles of Toxicology and Chemical Risk Assessment in IEM, Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work in South Africa".
The practice and roles of toxicology and chemical risk assessment (CRA) in sustainable development (SD) are discussed, especially the protection of public and workers in South Africa. Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. From an environmental management perspective, SD is better achieved through holistic and integrated environmental management (i.e., integ...
The practice and roles of toxicology and chemical risk assessment (CRA) in sustainable development (SD) are discussed, especially the protection of public and workers in South Africa. Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. From an environmental management perspective, SD is better achieved through holistic and integrated environmental management (i.e., integrated environmental management (IEM)). In that regard, several principles of the Agenda 21, a United Nations (UN) blueprint for SD, as well as the 2015 UN SD goals deal directly or indirectly with toxicology and CRA. For example, Principle number 4 recognizes the indispensable role of environmental protection in SD, while Principle number 8 discusses the issue of unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Furthermore, Principle number 11 states to enact effective indigenous environmental legislation and standards (occupational and environmental). Lastly, Principle number 17 promotes the use of environmental impact assessment (EIA) for proposed activities that can negatively affect the environment. Similarly, SD goal number 8 aims to promote sustainable economic growth and decent work for all, while SD goal number 12 ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns, which involve safe use of hazardous substances. In all these selected Agenda 21 and SD goals, toxicology and CRA features prominently by their roles in the derivation of health-based criteria such as Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs), reference dose (RfD) and occupational exposure limits (OELs). The presentation discusses the roles of toxicology and CRA in Agenda 21 principles 4, 8, 11 and 17, SD goals 8 and 12, as well as the challenges that hamper the practice of toxicology and risk assessment in South Africa and other developing economies.
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10:30

10:50

Oral Paper - "Mapping Land use and Land Cover Changes and Implications for Rural Communities: A Case of the Mphaphuli Community".
The study of ecosystem services and the valuation of their contribution to human well-being is a growing field of interest among scientists and decision-makers. There is often limited knowledge and information about the ecosystem services and valuation at the local scale, particularly in rural areas under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities. This study aimed to assess ecosystem services and economic valuation in a critical biodiversity area under the jurisdiction of the Mphaphuli Traditi...
The study of ecosystem services and the valuation of their contribution to human well-being is a growing field of interest among scientists and decision-makers. There is often limited knowledge and information about the ecosystem services and valuation at the local scale, particularly in rural areas under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities. This study aimed to assess ecosystem services and economic valuation in a critical biodiversity area under the jurisdiction of the Mphaphuli Traditional Authority in South Africa. The Co$ting Nature Policy Support System V3 was used to identify and undertake economic valuation of services provided by ecosystems. The ecosystem services valuation process was based on the default values of the valuation matrix made available in Co$ting Nature V3 software. No external datasets were used during the model simulation stage because pre-processes and preloaded data were comprehensive and useful to achieve the study's objectives. The 2018 land-cover map for South Africa was used to summarise the aggregate economic values. The aggregate value of the services flowing from ecosystems was found to be US$528 280 256. The resulting ecosystem services value shows the importance of maintaining a functioning ecosystem, especially in the impoverished community, which relies heavily on ecosystem services for their livelihoods. Rural communities should be appraised on the importance and value of these ecosystem services, especially as these relate to some income that these communities could derive from such ecosystems. Keywords: biodiversity, economic valuation, ecosystem services, LULC, rural development and livelihoods.
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10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - “Intentional Investment for Social Change – Case Studies of an Asset-based Approach to Mining Community Development”.
Over the past few decades social investment in mining communities has been driven by regulatory requirements and a needs-based assessment of perceived community needs. In recent years, evolving good practice from the international development community is challenging the success of a traditional approach to mining community development. These practices include intentional, incremental planning for social change using a theory of change as well as the use of appreciative inquiry as a method to id...
Over the past few decades social investment in mining communities has been driven by regulatory requirements and a needs-based assessment of perceived community needs. In recent years, evolving good practice from the international development community is challenging the success of a traditional approach to mining community development. These practices include intentional, incremental planning for social change using a theory of change as well as the use of appreciative inquiry as a method to identify and facilitate lasting social change in mining host communities. Theory of change provides a framework through which mining community development practitioners can consider enablers, implementers and influencers of change whilst incrementally planning interventions, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. To illustrate this in practice a case study of applying the theory of change to a sustainable livelihood programme in a mining community in the DRC is used. Despite the impact of COVID-19 and the visible dip in construction projects in South Africa, it is interesting to see how the mining, transport, energy, manufacturing, and government markets are focussing on inclusion and transparency. Innovative stakeholder engagement and community participation models that can be used to mitigate risks, minimize community unrest and conflict on projects are now needed more than ever. A combination of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach and Appreciative Inquiry(AI) as life-centric change processes are used as innovative approaches to bring out the best in everyone involved and to work with strengths, gifts, knowledge and assets to develop capacity and to use imagination to develop individual and collective destiny. To showcase how ABCD and AI can change perceptions and assist communities to use what already works, a case study will be presented where we use these approaches in a mining community for the Bonega Communities Trust and Ivanplats Mine in Mokopane in South Africa.
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11:10

11:50

Dual Oral - "Developing and Measuring Sustainable and Resilient Mining Communities“.
Traditional approaches to community development do little to create self-sustainable communities. Key paradigm shifts are required; notably the need to effect meaningful change that avoids perpetuating social injustice based on historical narratives and economic imbalance of power. The process of creating value involves focusing on longer term objectives and turning short-term ‘charity projects’ into self-sustaining enterprises that can help mining communities build their resilience. Social impa...
Traditional approaches to community development do little to create self-sustainable communities. Key paradigm shifts are required; notably the need to effect meaningful change that avoids perpetuating social injustice based on historical narratives and economic imbalance of power. The process of creating value involves focusing on longer term objectives and turning short-term ‘charity projects’ into self-sustaining enterprises that can help mining communities build their resilience. Social impact is an important focus of good practice throughout the mining lifecycle as a proactive process of concurrent social self-sustainable development can make communities more resilient. Social impact investment requires the development of measurable impact indicators at the planning phase. Social development programmes can be used as a preparatory mechanism for eventual transitioning to a post mining future. Impact indicators are essential to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investors and other potential commercial, public service and/or civic society partners. A theory of change mechanism allows for the systematic establishment of impact indicators and is used to monitor and evaluate the returns on social investment. It can also be tailored to meet the requirements of company specific policies and objectives as well as country-specific regulations. Another impact investment principle is the appreciate inquiry approach to social development. Appreciative inquiry is a well-documented community development approach where communities are viewed as a partner in development with existing initiatives and projects that are already working. This approach stands directly opposite to the needs-based approach, where communities are viewed as the recipients of projects based on what they do not have. By following these approaches, we can develop and adjust Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) practises to increase resilience and create an environment that fosters self-sustainable community development in mining communities.
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11:50

11:55

Thanks
Thanks - Louise Agenbag

11:55

12:10

Comfort Break 2

12:10

13:10

Panel Discussion: “THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN PRACTICE: EXAMPLES FROM THE FIELD”
It is easy to impact assessment practitioners to relate to the environmental pillar of the SDGs. Although it is common knowledge that there are a social and economic pillar as well, it is not always clear on how to integrate these pillars from an environmental perspective. The aim of this panel is to hear from practitioners that are implementing and researching socio-economic projects in the environmental field to share their experiences and tell some of their stories. Jules Newton will share he...
It is easy to impact assessment practitioners to relate to the environmental pillar of the SDGs. Although it is common knowledge that there are a social and economic pillar as well, it is not always clear on how to integrate these pillars from an environmental perspective. The aim of this panel is to hear from practitioners that are implementing and researching socio-economic projects in the environmental field to share their experiences and tell some of their stories. Jules Newton will share her experiences as director of the The Green Business Value Chain, which seeks to catalyse South African society towards integrated approaches to building rural and urban economies in the green sector. Dr Gomotsegang Fred Molelekwa will share his vision and experience of assisting communities to create economically viable and environmentally friendly projects out of waste material such as invader plants. Justin du Toit will share his experience as an agricultural economist and agribusiness specialist. Lehman Lindeque will share his experience as manager of the Sustainable Land Management programme of the UNDP and give feedback on some of the small grant projects awarded to encourage sustainable land management. The panel will then discuss practical ways to put the SDGs in action in the field of integrated environmental management. Challenges, obstacles, and opportunities will be discussed.
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13:10

14:10

Panel Discussion: "RECENT CASE LAW AND DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO SDGS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S IEM PROCESS AND TOOLS".
Recent cases will be discussed that talk to the inclusion/consideration of SDGs in our SA IEM tools or unpacking the legal issues and how to bind SDGs into EIA’s. The panel will be chaired by Advocate Peter Kantor, Chairman of the ELA, and comprise of members of the Environmental Law Association. Each panel member will present on a recent court case dealing with a significant environmental law issue and this will be followed by a short discussion on the case. Peter Kantor will then guide a more ...
Recent cases will be discussed that talk to the inclusion/consideration of SDGs in our SA IEM tools or unpacking the legal issues and how to bind SDGs into EIA’s. The panel will be chaired by Advocate Peter Kantor, Chairman of the ELA, and comprise of members of the Environmental Law Association. Each panel member will present on a recent court case dealing with a significant environmental law issue and this will be followed by a short discussion on the case. Peter Kantor will then guide a more general session on the key themes that emerge from the panel’s deliberations.
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14:10

14:20

Comfort Break 3

14:20

15:20

Panel Discussion: “FULFILLING MANDATES TOWARDS IMPROVED GOVERNANCE AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS".
The aim of this panel discussion is to interrogate how existing legislation and institutions have improved environmental and social governance issues in South Africa. The panel will also focus on how institutions such as (DFFE), Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA), SACNASP, IAIAsa etc, have managed the registration and regulatory aspects of practicing professionals. Focus will also be made on the public and media expectations with regards to governance and...
The aim of this panel discussion is to interrogate how existing legislation and institutions have improved environmental and social governance issues in South Africa. The panel will also focus on how institutions such as (DFFE), Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA), SACNASP, IAIAsa etc, have managed the registration and regulatory aspects of practicing professionals. Focus will also be made on the public and media expectations with regards to governance and ethical considerations within the Environmental sector. A case study of EAPASA as the single legally constituted entity which is appointed under Section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA) and Section 24H Registration Authority Regulations as the only registration and regulatory body for professional Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) in South Africa will be used as the reference point. EAPASA has also been recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a Statutory Professional Body in terms of the NQF Act, Act 67 of 2008 (as amended, March 2018). The panel discussion will highlight key performance indicators that enabled the successful implementation of such legislation and related institutions as well as challenges and obstacles encountered along the way.
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15:20

15:40

Summary and IAIAsa 21 Action Agenda
Dr Ilse Aucamp
Babalwa Fatyi

15:40

16:00

Conference Closure
Rethabile Mbokodi and Monique Sham

Track 2

09:15

09:20

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Zinhle Dlamini
Young Champion - Sibabalwe Kwinana

09:20

09:35

Ted talk “What could the partnership between companies committed to socio-economic change and government mean for the communities of South Africa: A view from the Impact Catalyst”
The Impact Catalyst has the vision to be a catalyst for socio-economic change across South Africa. Would leveraging networks and relationships build strategic partnerships and new relationships over time, in order to access strategic corporate and government stakeholders, funding and implementation capacity? The Impact Catalyst brings together people from multiple organisations that work together to implement its collaborative strategy and business plan. The Impact Catalyst business processes ad...
The Impact Catalyst has the vision to be a catalyst for socio-economic change across South Africa. Would leveraging networks and relationships build strategic partnerships and new relationships over time, in order to access strategic corporate and government stakeholders, funding and implementation capacity? The Impact Catalyst brings together people from multiple organisations that work together to implement its collaborative strategy and business plan. The Impact Catalyst business processes adopts transparency, effective communication, clear roles and responsibilities and strategic leadership. Through supporting the governmental planning process together with a collective approach, the partners can truly achieve impact. Further, by co-creating strategy between government and industry resources, knowledge, experience, and energy are aligned. The key to success is that initiatives identified will not make an impact if not strategically aligned with governmental strategy and resources. The Impact Catalyst focusses on the following areas for impact through its initiatives: (1) Economic development: Process whereby simple, low-income national economies are transformed into modern industrial economies; (2) Health: Process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. It moves beyond a focus on individual behavior towards a wide range of social and environmental interventions; (3) Education: Process of formal, informal and non-formal education and attainments thereof has an impact on all aspects of life; (4) Social empowerment: Process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence, and acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude poor people and keep them in poverty; (5) Environmental: Conserving natural resources and to develop alternate sources of power while reducing pollution and harm the environment. Building a robust biodiversity economy that contributes substantially to the financial and economic climate in SA; and (6) Service Delivery: Process whereby governance processes, skills and capacity is enhanced through support interventions to municipal and provincial governments to improve delivery performance of municipal and provincial services. It is acknowledged that there are complex linkages between these focus areas and that improvement in the lives of people will be realised through mutual support of multiple initiatives
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09:35

09:50

Lightning Talk - "To what degree are South African companies adopting the SDG implementation targets, and what are some of the drivers and/or barriers they face?"
Sustainable development has been defined as, "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". In 2015 a suite of seventeen international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed and agreed upon by 193 countries to form The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and included 169 implementation targets and 231 indicators. The SDGs were born on the back of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which...
Sustainable development has been defined as, "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". In 2015 a suite of seventeen international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed and agreed upon by 193 countries to form The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and included 169 implementation targets and 231 indicators. The SDGs were born on the back of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which spanned a period of fifteen years from 2000 until 2015 in which global leaders came together to shape a broad vision of fighting poverty in its many dimensions. This presentation follows a master’s degree research project which was based on the perceived problem facing the successful adoption of the SDGs, in particular the implementation targets by South African companies. Private sector companies are increasingly becoming a key player in the global achievement of the SDGs and could capitalise on an estimated $12 trillion per annum market that is linked to the SDGs. The research included an in-depth literature review conducted on the SDG implementation targets, their varying degrees of adoption and the role they play in achieving the SDGs within the private sector. This was followed by a document analysis of the JSE Top 40 company Annual Reports for 2019 and a qualitative online survey to understand the drivers and/or barriers that these organizations face with regards to adopting and reporting on the SDG implementation targets. Whilst global progress in achieving the SDGs was already lagging prior to COVID-19, the global pandemic over the course of 2020 and 2021 has unfortunately halted much of the progress to date, even calling for a post COVID-19 review of the SDGs in their current form. On a positive note, the United Nations believes there is still time to achieve the SDGs as humanity is poised on the start of a ‘Decade of Action’ and whilst this research primarily focused on the degree of SDG implementation target adoption, the majority of the JSE Top 40 companies have already adopted other sustainability reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), amongst others in which they include and report on numerous targets and indicators under the auspices of environmental and social governance.
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09:50

09:55

Thanks
Thanks - Zinhle Dlamini

09:55

10:05

Comfort Break 1

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Zinhle Dlamini
Young Champion - Sibabalwe Kwinana

10:10

10:30

Lightning Talk - "An Assessment of Sustainability Reporting on JSE-Listed Tourism and Leisure Companies using the Global Reporting Initiative".
South African companies have used the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as a sustainability reporting tool to assist in the transparency of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) data in their integrated reporting as they have a responsibility to the environment which their products are derived from and a social obligation to which their services are supplied and received by, furthermore they need to report these ESG attributes in an accountable and transparent manner for stakeholders ...
South African companies have used the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as a sustainability reporting tool to assist in the transparency of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) data in their integrated reporting as they have a responsibility to the environment which their products are derived from and a social obligation to which their services are supplied and received by, furthermore they need to report these ESG attributes in an accountable and transparent manner for stakeholders to make accurate and well-informed decisions. The study assesses if the GRI is being used effectively as an adequate and progressive tool for sustainable issues within reporting and at the same time comparing ESG indicators that are applied within the Tourism and Leisure sector in South Africa over a three-year period, from 2016 to 2018. The study focuses on 11 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies within the Tourism and Leisure sector of South Africa.
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10:30

10:50

Oral Paper - "First-of-a-kind +Impact SDG Grading Tool to Assist the IEM Sector in Agenda 2030".
The degree to which our social and environmental systems are continuing to degrade is triggering the urgent need for sustainable and positive impacts to become mainstream, effective, and verifiable. As we watch the 'tragedy of the commons' play out on the global stage, more sustainable investment strategies are key to not only rescuing our social, cultural, and political systems from failure, but also to transform our economies into more sustainable and resilient systems that safely operate with...
The degree to which our social and environmental systems are continuing to degrade is triggering the urgent need for sustainable and positive impacts to become mainstream, effective, and verifiable. As we watch the 'tragedy of the commons' play out on the global stage, more sustainable investment strategies are key to not only rescuing our social, cultural, and political systems from failure, but also to transform our economies into more sustainable and resilient systems that safely operate within planetary boundaries. It is also now crucial to ask what qualifies as sustainable or impactful? And how do we assess the impact performance and contribution to global goals, norms and standards? It is way past the time for South Africa to rapidly move beyond simple mitigation and respond to the urgent call to achieve Agenda 2030. The IEM sector and its processes are well placed to take the lead here and guide, assist and facilitate South Africa towards sustainable development. Impact Capital Africa (ICA) has developed a first-of-a-kind +Impact SDG Investment Grading Tool, which is a robust, credible, and quantitative methodology that rates an investment/ project's impact performance against the SDGs and other important ESG metrics. It is an amalgamation of multiple Frameworks, Principles and Standards that delivers a holistic solution to measuring and managing impact. The tool is based on the standardised Environmental (and Social) Impact Assessment (EIA) methodology, whereafter it encompasses innovative and detailed steps that generates an impact performance result and +Impact SDG Grade. ICA, believe we have developed a tool/ platform that offers tangible solutions to assist all IEM practitioners get better aligned with Agenda 2030 and take the lead in transforming South Africa towards true sustainability.
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10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - ,"What Can We Learn From Our Not-So-distant Cousin Called Scientific Assessment?"
Scientific assessments are elaborate knowledge-policy processes which convene large numbers of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. Their purpose is to surface, deliberate and then organise knowledge relevant to multi-facetted problems of high social importance. Well-known examples include the processes and published reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). While the fiel...
Scientific assessments are elaborate knowledge-policy processes which convene large numbers of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. Their purpose is to surface, deliberate and then organise knowledge relevant to multi-facetted problems of high social importance. Well-known examples include the processes and published reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). While the field of Impact Assessment (EIA, SEA, SIA etc.) primarily has its roots within practitioner communities driven by legislation and project specific decision-making, the field of Scientific Assessment was borne from the research community and driven more by global change problems, scientific theory, and level policymaking. Today these two ‘fields’ (for lack of a better term) are more similar than distinct, despite their different origins. They use reasonably similar approaches and methods for producing the knowledge which might help navigate toward something approximating a sustainable future. But they both operate at an increasingly complex science-society-policy interface, where flexible, robust, and deliberative knowledge production practices are desperately need. It is somewhat surprising that these two fields generally do not speak to one another. The purpose of this presentation is to present some of the data from Greg’s PhD research evaluating the processes of Scientific Assessment and unpacking some of the key learning points as they relate to improving Impact Assessment practice.
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11:10

11:30

Oral Paper - "The role of ISO 14001:2015 in Enhancing IEM through Sustainable Self-governance: Lessons from the Durban Basin".
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are one of the suites of ‘voluntary’ environmental management tools which forms a vital facet of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). The International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 14001-based EMS standard requires outcomes of “enhancement of environmental performance” through “achieving environmental objectives”. The Durban south region is a pollution ‘hotspot’ within KwaZulu-Natal and the assessment of the opportunities and risks of ISO 14...
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are one of the suites of ‘voluntary’ environmental management tools which forms a vital facet of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). The International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 14001-based EMS standard requires outcomes of “enhancement of environmental performance” through “achieving environmental objectives”. The Durban south region is a pollution ‘hotspot’ within KwaZulu-Natal and the assessment of the opportunities and risks of ISO 14001:2015 implementation within the region is important as it may potentially assist with proactive mitigation of risks and the utilization of opportunities. The aim of the study is, therefore, to understand Safety, Health, Environmental, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) managerial perspectives of opportunities and risks of ISO 14001:2015 implementation within Durban. The methods included identifying opportunities and risks in ISO 14001:2015 implementation from literature review, thereafter, presenting these in questionnaires distributed among SHERQ managers in Durban via email and LinkedIn. Of 62 questionnaires distributed, 42 participants responded. The respondent’s perspectives were assessed through SPSS. Results showed that, aligned with international reports, 57.2% of respondents agreed maintenance costs of compliance to the standard are high and 76.2% shared the perspective that company resources are better managed. Respondents were more agreeable to positive statements, indicating opportunities outweighing the risks. Despite the risks, there are opportunities from an industry perspective such as increased investor inputs and increased top management involvement. Findings from the study are contributory to learning facets pertaining to IEM tool implementation, such as the risks and opportunities of EMS implementation from an environmental, community and financial perspective in the Durban region highlighting the vital role of ISO 14001:2015 in sustainable organizational resource management. Key words: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), SHERQ, Opportunities, Risks, ISO 14001:2015, Durban.
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11:30

11:50

Oral Paper - "How a Cohort of Early-career Environmental Professionals Prioritise the Principles in the National Environmental Management Act".
Environmental managers must often juggle multiple, equally valid, development aspirations. This is just as true at global scales when managing trade-offs between the supposedly indivisible Sustainable Development Goals as it is at local scales when navigating conflicting land-uses. Despite this, there is a general expectation that environmental legislation should provide a common set of rules that apply to everyone. Here I propose that instead of treating legislation as a common rulebook, enviro...
Environmental managers must often juggle multiple, equally valid, development aspirations. This is just as true at global scales when managing trade-offs between the supposedly indivisible Sustainable Development Goals as it is at local scales when navigating conflicting land-uses. Despite this, there is a general expectation that environmental legislation should provide a common set of rules that apply to everyone. Here I propose that instead of treating legislation as a common rulebook, environmental professionals interpret South African environmental legislation through a lens of their own personal values. I base this on master’s students in environmental management at the University of the Free State who were tasked with reflecting on the environmental principles outlined in Chapter 1 of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. These students identified their three most important legal principles and explained their choices in written essays. This simple exercise uncovered a complete lack of consensus around the most important legal principles. Some students consistently favoured anthropocentric principles whereas others favoured ecocentric principles. However, the important lesson from this exercise was not that these students realised that their peers do not share their judgments, but rather that the lack of agreement can be based on equally valid deliberation and justification. This is an essential form of professional development for environmental managers who need to accept that instead of imposing our own worldviews on others, it might be more effective to pursue common goals even when motivations might differ. By understanding the social, political, and ethical contexts of our work, environmental professionals are more likely to realise a vision for a sustainable future that supports human and ecological flourishing.
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11:50

11:55

Thanks
Thanks - Zinhle Dlamini

11:55

12:10

Comfort Break 2

Track 3

09:15

09:20

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Riona Patak
Young Champion - Austin Sharkey

09:20

09:35

TED Talk - “Drivers, pressures, states, and impacts - as the traffic of sustainability rhetoric grows, how do we make narrative count?”
In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by member states of the United Nations (UN) at the Sustainable Development Summit. The essence of Agenda 2030 is a plan that will benefit all organisms on the planet towards a shared prosperity. The ultimate outcome of this shared prosperity is a total eradication of poverty in all its forms across the globe, in a sustainable manner. The breadth and scope of the Agenda is demonstrated by the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets that ...
In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by member states of the United Nations (UN) at the Sustainable Development Summit. The essence of Agenda 2030 is a plan that will benefit all organisms on the planet towards a shared prosperity. The ultimate outcome of this shared prosperity is a total eradication of poverty in all its forms across the globe, in a sustainable manner. The breadth and scope of the Agenda is demonstrated by the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets that are central to the endeavour. The SDGs are not the first of their kind. Rather, they are seen as a renewed commitment towards a sustainable development trajectory. International agendas such as the SDGs are impacting regional, national, and local visions and plans in a particular way, and they are dominating the manner in which issues related to human well-being, and the particular role of natural resources and their management in this are framed. These plans and visions have become pervasive, as the idea of an impending natural resource crisis is progressively dictating the trajectory of not only development and development projects, but also kinds of data that is collected, and the way it interpreted in realising the aims of Integrated Environmental Management. Many of the goals and priorities, require measurements and numbers for reporting. But numbers as we know only provide one side of a much deeper and more complex situation, and I believe this is exactly where social scientists have a strong role to play. We need different ways of understanding and communicating what it means to attain these targets and aims. Using two case studies in Limpopo I want to share how it is important to not get bogged down by numbers that packages narrative into neat SDG boxes to be ticked. I believe the challenge for socials scientists is to not get caught up in these rationalist framings, but to rather stay true to the social scientific canon that seeks value in narrative and thick description.
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09:35

09:50

Lightning Talk - "Effective and Informed Public Participation – isiZulu Guide to EIA".
IAIAsa was successful in securing an innovation grant from its international body, IAIA, to develop an EIA guide in isiZulu. This tool will be made freely available to IAIAsa members and the public. Partnering with IAIAsa for this project is ALL RISE Attorneys for Climate and Environmental Justice.Public participation is integral to Integrated Environmental Management and a mandatory component of the EIA process in South Africa. NEMA, its EIA Regulations and S4J Guidelines qualify that the oppor...
IAIAsa was successful in securing an innovation grant from its international body, IAIA, to develop an EIA guide in isiZulu. This tool will be made freely available to IAIAsa members and the public. Partnering with IAIAsa for this project is ALL RISE Attorneys for Climate and Environmental Justice.

Public participation is integral to Integrated Environmental Management and a mandatory component of the EIA process in South Africa. NEMA, its EIA Regulations and S4J Guidelines qualify that the opportunity to participate must be “reasonable”, “adequate”, “appropriate”, “equitable” and “effective”. NEMA Section 2 requires that “all people must have the opportunity to develop the understanding, skills and capacity necessary for achieving equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured”.
BUT how can public participation be any of these things if people do not understand what an EIA is and information is not provided in their mother tongue? The isiZulu EIA guide is intended as a small contribution to addressing the all too common occurrence, that the people who are most affected, are consulted the least. A workshop was held with residents from four KZN rural communities and facilitated by ALL RISE and IAIAsa members. The purpose was to ask participants what they knew and wanted to know, about EIA. The workshop focussed on identifying, assessing and mitigating impacts in the context of the legal framework. It was run entirely in isiZulu. Participatory mapping exercises were used to maximise participation. This simple exercise showed just how big the need is for capacity building in communities. It also showed just how simply this can be achieved in order that the people who are affected by development, are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to effectively participate in the EIA process.
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09:50

09:55

Thanks
Thanks - Riona Patak

09:55

10:05

Comfort Break 1

10:05

10:10

Session Introduction
Session Chair - Riona Patak
Young Champion - Austin Sharkey

10:10

10:30

Oral Paper - The Need for IEM to Begin to Enable Responses that are Proportional in Terms of Both the Urgency and the Extent of the Problems that Confront us and that Accelerate the Achievement of the SDGs in South Africa.
Existing IEM practice is not properly enabling just ecological and socio-economic transitions nor the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in SA. Based on more than 22 years of IEM experience and learnings from, amongst others, Complexity Theory, Systems and Resilience Thinking, Transition Management, Lean Management and Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation, have led to these critical insights: (1) Our actions must be rationally connected to the information before us, and our r...
Existing IEM practice is not properly enabling just ecological and socio-economic transitions nor the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in SA. Based on more than 22 years of IEM experience and learnings from, amongst others, Complexity Theory, Systems and Resilience Thinking, Transition Management, Lean Management and Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation, have led to these critical insights: (1) Our actions must be rationally connected to the information before us, and our responses must be proportional i.t.o. both the urgency and the extent of the problems that confront us; (2) We must collectively serve the public interest and be development-oriented; (3) If we want different results, then we need to do things differently and do different things; (4) We must do better to ensure ecological sustainable development, while also doing better to promote justifiable socio-economic development; (5) It is now more urgent than ever before for IEM to act itself into a new way of thinking; (6) The whole of government (capable state) in partnership with the whole of society (active civil society) must negotiate and implement spatial social compacts; (7) Critically, if capacity, implementation, compliance enforcement, monitoring and evaluation actions are to aid the pursuit of the spatial social compacts, then the initial effort at improved planning and improved project-level decision-making, need to be complemented by ongoing collective performance management and transition management; (8) Leaning how to solve problems and how to improve, is just as important as solving problems and improving; (9) It is not laws, policies and plans that achieve sustainable development, but rather people making use of laws, policies and plans that achieve sustainable development. While some further law reform and policy development will assist, we have more than enough to get started; (10) We are the ones we have been waiting for; and (11) The best way to get something done is to begin. This presentation shows how we can begin.
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10:30

10:50

Oral Paper - "Co-operative Governance for Sustainable Waste Water Treatment: A Myth or Reality?"
Fresh water resources across the globe are severely polluted and constrained due to anthropogenic activities. Fresh water pollution challenges in South Africa mirror international trends with rapid urban expansion and agricultural activities contributing to increased water abstraction and industrial point source pollution. One of the major contributing factors to freshwater pollution in the country is poorly managed and controlled municipal waste water treatment works (WWTWs). In most cases, the...
Fresh water resources across the globe are severely polluted and constrained due to anthropogenic activities. Fresh water pollution challenges in South Africa mirror international trends with rapid urban expansion and agricultural activities contributing to increased water abstraction and industrial point source pollution. One of the major contributing factors to freshwater pollution in the country is poorly managed and controlled municipal waste water treatment works (WWTWs). In most cases, the operation of WWTWs is the responsibility of local government with an administrative, compliance and enforcement function provided by either the provincial or national government. As required by section 41 of the Constitution (1996) co-operative governance between these spheres of government is essential to ensure effective service delivery, including the effective operation of WWTWs. This research aimed to determine the challenges faced by WWTWs in relation to co-operative governance. The research followed a case study approach focusing on the Drakenstein Municipality, located within the Berg River water management area in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.
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10:50

11:10

Oral Paper - "Surviving a Near Death Experience: Managing a Fatal Flaw in the EIA Process".
In principle, within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application process, there should always be the option for the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to present that the proposed development project should not be authorized; however, the examples of where this has happened in practice in South Africa, can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. In many instances EAPs appear to feel compelled to present an EIA report where all the findings are low or insignificant, even...
In principle, within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application process, there should always be the option for the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to present that the proposed development project should not be authorized; however, the examples of where this has happened in practice in South Africa, can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. In many instances EAPs appear to feel compelled to present an EIA report where all the findings are low or insignificant, even though it is often extremely difficult to see how the impact significance would be reduced based on the mitigation presented. The danger of such an approach is that EIAs run the risk of legitimizing projects that should never go ahead and/or downplaying the need for compliance and enforcement in project implementation. There is no mention of ‘fatal flaw’ in the EIA Regulations, but it is a widely used concept and often used liberally by Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) in consultation processes. We contend that the EIA Regulations should provide for the principle of a proposed development being fatally flawed or else the EAP is essentially “hung out to dry” in trying to advance such a conclusion. Being supporters, however, of fatal flaw conclusions is easy. Identifying a fatal flaw, after an Applicant has spent significant amounts of money on the EIA, is something else entirely. In this paper we reflect on a large, costly EIA which was deemed to be fatally flawed from an ecological perspective, by an independent specialist. We outline the circumstances of that EIA, the basis of the fatal flaw and how we managed the fatal flaw, in especially, the public participation process. We examine the roles of the specialist, the EAP, the key I&APs and the Applicant in such a situation and outline our learning in the hope of equipping EAPs to manage such circumstances judiciously.
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11:10

11:30

Oral Paper - "Fatal Flaws: The Holy Grail of Impact Assessment or the Unrequited Pipe Dream of Detractors".
Sean was schooled in the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) touted then as ‘yes-if’ rather than ‘yes-no’ in EIA decision-making. IEM was premised on the country’s urgent development needs and a concern that EIA would not survive if it routinely disqualified investment. The concern proved prescient with widespread criticism today that EIA curtails development. Some have even called for the scrapping of EIA so that development happens, unhindered by such worthless items as bu...
Sean was schooled in the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) touted then as ‘yes-if’ rather than ‘yes-no’ in EIA decision-making. IEM was premised on the country’s urgent development needs and a concern that EIA would not survive if it routinely disqualified investment. The concern proved prescient with widespread criticism today that EIA curtails development. Some have even called for the scrapping of EIA so that development happens, unhindered by such worthless items as butterflies. At the same time, there is probably not a single EAP, who has not had to contend with fatal flaws being argued by I&APs in EIA processes. Philosophically, if an EIA cannot conclude with at least a negative decision, then the arduous process of decision-making on the application seems pointless. Negative decisions are scarce though and negative impacts in EIA are sometimes softened by ‘mitigation’ that enigmatically reduces impact significance. It is difficult to conclude a fatal flaw, not just in surviving client ire but also in the absence of criteria to do so. The current approach to identifying fatal flaws appears one of ‘we’ll know if we see it!’ Interestingly, the IFC PSs present very few opportunities to deem a project fatally flawed. Direct prescriptions appear limited only to activities on the exclusion list or being within an Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) site. The net effect is that if an EIA is indeed a decision-making tool, there must be provision for a ‘fatal flaw’. We examine criteria to define a fatal flaw in an EIA and argue for the adoption of such criteria but through practice NOT in law.
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11:30

11:50

Oral Paper - Critical Reflections on Environmental Authorisation Requirements at Defunct Underground Workings: Lessons from the Ezulwini-case.
The heads of 194 United Nations Member states, including South Africa, signed the set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Mining companies have the potential to be leading partners in achieving the SDGs and thereby positively impact the natural environment and social capital, amongst others. However, as recently highlighted in the High Court judgment of Ezulwini Mining Company v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (Ezulwini-case), uncertainty exists as to sustainable or legi...
The heads of 194 United Nations Member states, including South Africa, signed the set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Mining companies have the potential to be leading partners in achieving the SDGs and thereby positively impact the natural environment and social capital, amongst others. However, as recently highlighted in the High Court judgment of Ezulwini Mining Company v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (Ezulwini-case), uncertainty exists as to sustainable or legitimate mine closure and environmental liabilities related thereto. During its operations, Ezulwini mines pumped underground water subject to a water use license (WUL). However, after the Ezulwini mine ceased the underground mining operations, the mine sought to stop the pumping of the water from the defunct underground workings. In order to do so legitimately, the Ezulwini mine applied for environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) and the amendment of a WUL following cessation of operations and pumping water from the defunct underground workings. Notably, the issue before the court revolved around the correct interpretation of section 43(4) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA), sections 24N and 24R of NEMA regarding the cessation of pumping water from the underground workings. Put differently, whether the abovementioned sections place a liability on the mining company that has to pump and treat the underground water? This paper critically reflects on the judgment and provides some legal perspectives on the interpretation of the above legislative sections. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental authorisations, Water use license, National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002.
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11:50

11:55

Thanks
Thanks - Riona Patak

11:55

12:10

Comfort Break 2
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