Vision

Leading environmental management and tourism in the interest of sustainable development for all.

Mission

Our mission is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans by:

• Promoting the sustainable development, utilisation and protection of our natural and cultural resources.
• Harnessing the skills, experience and knowledge of the environment of all South Africans.
• Fostering equitable access to the benefit derived from our natural and cultural resources.
• Empowering the South African public, communities and organisations through participation, environmental education, capacity building, research and information services.
• Working together with all the relevant stakeholders and spheres of government in the spirit of good governance.
• Ensuring that all international participation and obligations are undertaken in the context of South Africa's environmental policies and principles.
• Establishing responsible tourism that ensures environmental sustainability and which contributes to a better quality of life.

In the spirit of our obligations in terms of the Constitution, the Department is committed to transparent and accountable processes in fulfilling the above.