ENVIRONMENT MINISTER OUTLINES NEW COASTAL MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES
PUBLIC COMMENT INVITED ON DRAFT COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
28 March 2025 - Environment Minister, Dr Dion Travers George has invited the public to comment on the revised draft National Coastal Management Programme (NCMP) in terms of section 44(2) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 (ICMA).
THE PROGRAMME
The NCMP (the programme) establishes seven strategic priorities:
Equitable Public Access,
Estuary Management,
Coastal Spatial Planning and Climate Change,
Coastal Pollution Management,
Education, Awareness and Information,
Coastal Research, and
Compliance and Enforcement.
The fundamental purpose of the NCMP, is to establish and maintain an integrated, coordinated, and uniform approach to coastal management across all sectors and spheres of society.
THE DRAWBACKS
The NCMP however, in my opinion, seems to suffer from the same drawbacks as previous iterations of the programme, with no detailed turnaround strategy and mechanisms for enforcement of environmental laws pertaining to coastal areas.
The programme is also silent on the municipal sewage crisis, deteriorating coastal municipal infrastructure, and poor environmental governance, which adversely impact on the coastal areas.
COMMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS
If you would like to comment or make representations regarding the draft NCMP, you may do so by downloading the draft programme.
The Draft National Coastal Management Programme 2025 can be downloaded HERE. (DFFE Website)
All representations must be submitted in writing to the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Branch: Oceans and Coasts.
By e-mail: mmnwana@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms Makwarela Mnwana on 072 034 6698.
