environmental services
Environmental services in South Africa—such as water purification, soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation play a vital role in sustaining both the country’s diverse ecosystems and its economy. From the fynbos region in the Western Cape to the savannas of Limpopo, healthy natural habitats support biodiversity that is not only globally significant but also essential to local livelihoods. Clean water supplies depend on well-managed wetlands and catchments, while fertile soil and pollinators bolster agriculture and food security in both rural and urban communities. These services also help mitigate climate change by storing carbon, and support tourism ventures that rely on pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. As South Africa continues to develop, protecting and restoring environmental services is crucial for resilient economic growth, ecological health, and the well-being of its people.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) 14001
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that provides a framework for organizations to systematically manage their environmental responsibilities. It focuses on continuous improvement, legal compliance, and pollution prevention, helping organizations minimize their environmental impact while also enhancing operational efficiency and stakeholder confidence.
ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION
Environmental authorisation is a legally mandated process in many jurisdictions, including South Africa, whereby proposed developments or activities undergo thorough assessment to identify and manage potential environmental impacts. By evaluating factors such as resource use, pollution risks, and ecological conservation needs, environmental authorisation ensures that projects adhere to relevant legislation and best practices. This process helps safeguard biodiversity, protect community well-being, and encourage sustainable development. In addition, it fosters transparency and accountability by requiring public participation and expert review. Ultimately, environmental authorisation is a key mechanism for balancing economic growth with responsible environmental stewardship.
SCOPING & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (S&EIA)
Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessments (S&EIA) play a pivotal role in sustainable development by identifying, predicting, and evaluating the potential impacts of proposed projects or developments on the environment. During scoping, key issues, stakeholders, and potential effects are outlined, guiding the scope and depth of subsequent environmental analysis. The Environmental Impact Assessment then provides a systematic, evidence-based review of these factors, assessing risks, proposing mitigation measures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Through this proactive approach, decision-makers, developers, and communities can address environmental challenges early, minimize negative outcomes, and balance economic growth with the protection of ecosystems and human well-being.
WASTE MANAGEMENT LICENSE (WML)
A Waste Management License (WML) is a legal authorization required for certain waste management activities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safeguards. In South Africa, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) governs the licensing process, which is overseen by relevant authorities to prevent or minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health. By regulating how waste is collected, stored, treated, or disposed of, the WML framework promotes responsible waste management practices. This helps to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and protect ecosystems, while also emphasizing the importance of adhering to best practices and maintaining transparency and accountability in waste-handling operations.
BASIC ASSESSMENTS
In the South African environmental regulatory framework, a Basic Assessment is a streamlined form of environmental impact assessment intended for projects or activities deemed likely to have relatively limited environmental impacts. Governed by the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and associated regulations, this process involves identifying potential environmental effects, consulting with stakeholders, and proposing mitigation measures to address anticipated impacts. The Basic Assessment aims to ensure that decision-makers have sufficient information to approve or reject a project, while balancing economic development with environmental protection. By requiring transparent documentation and public engagement, Basic Assessments help to uphold sustainability principles, promote responsible resource use, and safeguard the well-being of both local communities and the environment.
More Services we provide:
22A APPLICATIONS
Water Use License Applications (WULA)
AIR QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLANS
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLANS
WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLANS
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN
EMISSION INVENTORY
EMISSION MODELING & REPORTS
NAEIS REPORTING
QUARTERLY/BI-ANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTING
GHG REPORTING
ENVIRONMENTAL
AUDITING
GWIS REPORTING
ECO INSPECTIONS
S24G APPLICATIONS
In South Africa, Section 24G (S24G) of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) provides a legal route for individuals or organizations that have commenced or continued with listed or specified activities without the necessary environmental authorizations. An S24G application seeks to rectify non-compliance by allowing the applicant to apply retrospectively for authorization, subject to an administrative penalty. This process involves submitting detailed impact assessments, mitigation measures, and rehabilitation plans to the competent authority, demonstrating how adverse environmental effects will be addressed. While an S24G application offers a pathway to legal compliance, it should not be viewed as a shortcut; the financial and reputational risks, along with potential operational delays, underscore the importance of securing the appropriate authorizations before embarking on any environmentally regulated activities.
