Project Description
Since the abolition of apartheid South Africa has enacted a number of policies, strategies, framework laws and laws on environment, local government, service delivery, EIA and others. A complete redemarcation of the local councils was implemented and new council members were elected. At the time the provincial and local administrations needed support in order to clarify regulations, make clear spatial objectives and enhance capacity on all levels. Therefore the North West Province together with the national Department for Environment and Tourism initiated co-operation with Finland to address these problems.
The overall objective of the project was to improve the quality of life of the population by improved environmental sustainability. The purpose was to introduce correct environmental considerations into the integrated development planning and implementation at the province, district and local levels. The results comprised of: a provincial environmental management system, a provincial spatial development plan, adequate operational capacity of the public administration and successful implementation of a number of local pilot projects.
The project activities included: drafting and analysing of correct instruments and procedures; carrying out consultative processes; analysing spatial, demographic, socio-economic, natural resources, biodiversity, environment, infrastructure and other data; carrying out capacity surveys; carrying out an environmental monitoring assessment and development study: elaborating human resources development plans and carrying out capacity building and training programmes; planning and implementing selected pilot grass-root level activities; establishment of a North West Province ECO Fund to support small scale NGO, CBO or other citizens’ groups’ initiatives.
Services provided by SYKE
- Consultancy, workshops and training for development of provincial legislation, regulations and processes for environmental management and spatial development;
- Elaboration of spatial planning frameworks for the North West province and its municipalities, using GIS methodologies;
- Capacity building in the above fields for provincial and municipal public administration, consultants and NGOs/CBOs;
- Assistance in clarifying roles of provincial and local administration;
- Support to and implementation of service delivery pilot projects including establishment of an ECO-fund for small and medium sized environmental projects on the grass-root level;
- Studies, assessments, plans and other decision-making support;
- Facilitation of consultative processes;
- Workshops and seminars;
- Short courses and long term training programmes;
- Project Management, Monitoring and Quality Assurance.
More Information
Mr. Pekka J. Salminen, Project Manager, International Affairs Unit, Finnish Environment Institute