Natural Resources

 

To be the acknowledged pre-eminent authority on sustainable natural resource management in agriculture in South Africa

Water

  • Agri SA Water Desk

  • Foster close working relationships with the DWS and other role-players in the water use governance and management sector

  • Advice on water use entitlement position in South Africa (water use licenses, general authorisations, existing lawful water uses and Schedule 1 water uses)

  • Participate in raw water tariff negotiations

  • Participate in negotiations surrounding:

    • National Water and Sanitation Master Plan

    • National Water Resource Strategy

    • Proposed legislative amendments to the National Water Act and Water Services Act

Natural Resources Base Management

  • Participate in governmental and private sector forums dealing with climate change and drought

  • Participate in and facilitate alien and invasive species control, eradication and management projects

  • Participate in and initiate soil erosion control, eradication and management projects

  • Participate in initiatives to promote conservation agriculture and climate smart agriculture

  • Engage with government and other role players on pest control measures

Mining and Shale Gas Development

  • Appeal and Review proceedings

  • Exercise continued vigilance on developments regarding regulatory approvals processes for Karoo and other shale gas exploration

  • Support affected provinces and a take leading role in opposing uranium mining in the Karoo and elsewhere

  • Consult with Chamber of Mines on efficacy of current MOU with Agri SA

  • Encourage stakeholder participation in challenging inappropriate mining developments

Square Kilometre Array

  • Continuing engagement with stakeholders on implementation of MoU between Agri SA and SKA

  • Inform the public about SKA projects and developments

  • Engage with government on future evolution of SKA

  • Confirm need for telecommunication to be equitably provided

  • Facilitate pro-agriculture and pro-local community upliftment projects and initiatives together with the SKA

Law Reform and Litigation

  • Be proactive in legislative developments and initiatives

  • Participate in public consultation and commenting

  • Utilise BUSA and Nedlac processes

  • Appeals and possible High Court Reviews against environmental authorisation of proposed untoward mining and shale gas developments

Mobilise members and key stakeholders to prioritize sustainable agricultural development issues