Environmental management and governance involves role-players from all levels of government, the private sector and civil society. The way in which people interact with their environment is determined by culture, economic considerations, social and value systems as well as politics.

Environmental management and governance is a cross-cutting theme which is closely linked to the success of all natural resource themes. People are part of the environment and are at the centre of concerns for its sustainability.

Provincial government capacity

This issue is concerned with the manner in which the different levels of government undertake environmental management and governance in the Eastern Cape. Alignment of planning, funding allocations and institutional capacity determine the effectiveness of environmental management. Indicators that reflect this issue are:

• Budgetary allocation to environmental management, research, education and awareness;
• Institutional capacity for environmental management; and
• IDP commitment to environmental management.

Compliance and commitment

The private sector and civil society are also responsible for ensuring that environmental management conforms to legislative requirements. Preferably, companies and organisations should aim to achieve environmental sustainability, using awareness and education as tools together with environmental management systems. Indicators for this issue include:

• Voluntary adoption of environmental management systems; and
• Compliance with environmental legislation.