Outcomes

The success of policy implementation is largely a function of political will, funding, good integration and co-ordination between the lead agency and other agencies where functions and responsibilities have been delegated, and a well-trained group of staff to manage programs and projects. An additional factor that will contribute to success in South Africa is partnerships with institutions in civil society where environmental problems are solved jointly. This is simply because government does not have the resources necessary to deal with all the environmental problems we face. The National Environmental Management Act makes it possible for the Minister to enter into agreements with communities to solve particular environmental problems like waste or to protect certain plant or animal species. This both empowers the community and promotes a culture of ownership, and relieves the pressure on the resources of the DEA&T . (Amber)

For example, the White Paper on the Conservation and Use of South Africa's Biological Diversity still requires an action plan and framework act. It has been delayed due to lack of financial resources, and its implementation is uncertain, depending on securing additional funds. There is however, a possibility of raising funds from foreign governments. The National Environmental Management Act took three years to develop, and needs strong capacity building programmes at all levels of government to be implemented effectively.

In response to the lack of funding, several approaches have been taken by the DEA&T. The first is a restructuring of the national department to make it more efficient and effective. There are many other possibilities such as partnerships between government, private sector and NGOs which can also assist in raising additional sources. For instance the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-South Africa assisted government in raising substantial funds for the Table Mountain Fund from the private sector and the Global Environmental Facility. Having a healthier environment in the future depends on the institution of good environmental management systems that involve clear partnerships between government and organs of civil society.

As mentioned above, there is a strong possibility that implementation will continue to be weak. To address this problem the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has established an Environmental Capacity Building Unit in 1999. This will support the development of capacity at national, provincial and local levels to implement the various legislative obligations that the government has. (See Document: Support for the Establishment of the Environmental Capacity Building Unit for the DEA&T, DANCED, January 1999). (Colour Code Grey)

Changes in policy have also given direction to the kinds of research and technology that need to be developed. While South African research institutions, which are numerous compared to other African states, have a strong research tradition in the field of environment and extensive infrastructure and capacity, more work has to be done in addressing the challenges put forward by the new policy agenda. During 1991/92 between R550 million and R770 million was spent on environmental research.

Figure 7.5 Funds provided by Government, Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organisations for environmental research

About 80% was provided by government, 11.5% by the private sector, and 8.5% by NGOs (National Research and Technology Foresight Project, NRTFP DACST). Figures regarding the change in funding since 1994 are not currently available, however, there have been extensive reviews of the 11 government science councils, with the aim of establishing how these institutions, either individually or as components of the National System of Innovation could be restructured and resourced to meet broad national needs. Many of these 11 institutions are actively involved in environmental research in one way or the other.

The NRTF Project is meant to identify technologies and technological trends that will contribute to economic growth and social upliftment of all South Africans over the next 10-20 years. Of the 12 sectors that have been chosen, two are related directly to environmental research, namely the environmental and biodiversity sectors. This will guide future research and investments within the public and private sectors.

The establishment of the Innovation Fund scheme by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) is designed to encourage new innovations in the field of environment that are related to national priorities. The fund was established in 1998.

Given declines in net contributions by the government to science councils and tertiary institutions, funding for environmental research has largely remained the same in Rand terms, but decreased in real terms. (Source: National Research Foundation). See Table 7.4 for the funding of the Environmental Sustainable Theme by the NRF.

The following scenarios are presented as likely trends based on the above analysis in the environmental sector over the next five years:

• No real increase in environmental funds from the government will occur and foreign donor assistance will probably likely to decline progressively. This is largely because South Africa is not seen as a developing country and makes further spending difficult to justify as there are poorer countries which need donor assistance more than South Africa. This means that more work will have to be carried out with increasingly limited funds. Brown issues will gain a higher priority than conservation based issues. Protected areas will receive minimum government support.
• While the DEA&T may be in a better position to deal with environmental issues largely because it is responsible for policy rather than implementation, major constraints in managing programs and enforcing legislation will continue to be faced by provinces and local government where more emphasis will be placed on implementation.
• With the creation of the new Environmental Capacity Building Unit at DEA&T and similar capacity building programs in DLA and DWAF, some relief will be brought with more people being trained in the field. However, experience of newly trained professionals will be limited, with management capacity still being weak. This is likely to vary from province to province and one local government authority to the other.
• Industry and business may adopt their own voluntary measures in increasing numbers. This is not because of the current legislative environment, but rather because of greater global awareness. Companies establishing business relations with developed countries are forced to abide by their standards. This is already being seen in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Nationally too, industry and business will be more cautious of their actions and would want to institute good environmental practice to avoid possible lawsuits or fines.
• Pressure from civil society organizations will increase but the relative speed with which implementation takes place will not be more significant than it is now as these will depend on budget increases, training of staff and the recruitment of more skilled staff. It is more than likely that poorer sectors of our society will bear the major burden of environmental damage or detrimental effects of development, simply because of poor infrastructure, poverty and the lack of resources.

>     Political Environment: Linkages

There is also information about the Political Environment in the following reports:
Metropolitan reports:
	Cape Metropolitan Council (1998 edition)		Durban Pilot Study
	Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council (1999 edition)		Greater Pretoria Metropolitan Council (1999 edition)