LEG2601
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 4 APRIL 2025
, LEG2601
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Legal Aspects of Environmental Management
Sustainable Development Under NEMA: A Balanced Approach
Sustainable development is one of the most important principles in environmental law,
both in South Africa and globally. It is a concept that recognizes the need to balance
three essential aspects of development: social well-being, economic growth, and
environmental protection. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) is one
of the key pieces of legislation in South Africa that provides a framework for sustainable
development. It ensures that development serves both present and future generations
by integrating these three factors into planning, decision-making, and implementation.
Breaking Down the Meaning of Sustainable Development
The idea of sustainable development is based on the simple but powerful principle that
development should not come at the expense of the environment or future generations.
Instead, it should be carefully managed so that economic progress benefits society
while also preserving natural resources. Section 2(3) of NEMA makes it clear that
development must be socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Let’s explore what each of these terms means in a practical sense:
1. Social Sustainability
Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of people. It ensures that
communities have access to basic needs such as housing, clean water,
healthcare, education, and a safe living environment. Development projects
should consider how they impact people’s daily lives, especially marginalized or
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 4 APRIL 2025
, LEG2601
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Legal Aspects of Environmental Management
Sustainable Development Under NEMA: A Balanced Approach
Sustainable development is one of the most important principles in environmental law,
both in South Africa and globally. It is a concept that recognizes the need to balance
three essential aspects of development: social well-being, economic growth, and
environmental protection. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) is one
of the key pieces of legislation in South Africa that provides a framework for sustainable
development. It ensures that development serves both present and future generations
by integrating these three factors into planning, decision-making, and implementation.
Breaking Down the Meaning of Sustainable Development
The idea of sustainable development is based on the simple but powerful principle that
development should not come at the expense of the environment or future generations.
Instead, it should be carefully managed so that economic progress benefits society
while also preserving natural resources. Section 2(3) of NEMA makes it clear that
development must be socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Let’s explore what each of these terms means in a practical sense:
1. Social Sustainability
Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of people. It ensures that
communities have access to basic needs such as housing, clean water,
healthcare, education, and a safe living environment. Development projects
should consider how they impact people’s daily lives, especially marginalized or
