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Municipal Think Tank Discussion: Elevating Environmental Concerns in Spatial Planning
19/06/2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated the dire need for environmental concerns to be included and prioritised in municipal planning. In line with this, MILE in partnership with SALGA hosted a virtual Municipal Think Tank discussion to assist municipalities to unpack the detail that is legislatively required to capture environmental concerns adequately in spatial planning.

Mr M. Zondo, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) explained the legislative background to Environmental Planning. "Sustainable development is the driving force and these tools such as Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Management Frameworks are meant to support the definition of sustainability for your area of interest (whether your interest is development or environmental protection), facilitate cooperative governance and ensure informed decision making at all strategic levels," said Zondo.
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Ms Slindile Maphumlo from SALGA defined the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SPLUMA). She said, "Our spatial or functional boundaries are informed by surrounding ecosystems and their context problems. Therefore we thrive better in cohering system of biophysical and social factors that regularly interact in a resilient, sustained manner​.

Mr Pravin Amar Singh the SAPI KZN Deputy Chairperson shared reflections of local government environmental planning- perspectives from planning practice. “Put people first. South Africa is a developmental state and social takes preference. Planning is the future and planners should be leading spatial planning.”

Ms Sharin Govender from Umhlatuze Municipality talks about Environmental Planning in Practice- Reflections from the City indicating that municipalities need to look beyond legislative reforms to achieve sustainable development. “Environmental Frameworks must elevate issues of goods and services rendered by ecosystems such as the green economy, using nature as ecological infrastructure. 

Dr Boyd Escott from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife talked about Environmental Planning in Practice and provided a comprehensive presentation. 

With informative presentations and discussion session, facilitated by MILE,  the event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges that inhibit municipalities in terms of spatial planning and the environment. 

Download Presentations below:

 

 Municipal Think Tank Discussion-1

 
TypeUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
NameUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
1.1 M Zondo-.pdf
  
1.2 Slindile Maphumlo.pdf
  
1.3 Pravin Amar.pdf
  
1.4 Sharin Govender.pdf
  
1.5 Boyd Escott.pdf
  
Agenda.pdf
  
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