Search Climate Insights Directory

The document describes a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for proposed large-scale developments in the Namakwa region. These developments include a deep-water port, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), green hydrogen projects, and supporting infrastructure such as desalination plants and rail. The SEA is divided into two work packages: WP1, focusing on the port and SEZ site, and WP2, which assesses the cumulative regional impacts on ecology, water, heritage, and socio-economics. The pamphlet invites community comments on the WP2 findings by May 8, 2026.

The report examines the proposed green hydrogen development in Boegoebaai, Northern Cape, focusing on the readiness of the Namakwa District Municipality (DM) and Richtersveld Local Municipality (LM). It finds that both municipalities lack the financial and technical capacity to support the anticipated population influx and infrastructure needs. The study highlights a 'top-down' planning approach by national and provincial governments that excludes local authorities and communities, leading to mistrust and procedural injustices. It concludes that without significant intergovernmental support and genuine public participation, the transition risks being unjust and disruptive to rural livelihoods.

The document outlines a risk-based approach to mining in South Africa's most sensitive biodiversity areas, including critically endangered ecosystems, Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs), and Ramsar sites. It argues that because these areas are essential for ecosystem services and biodiversity targets, mining should be strongly avoided. The guideline proposes a sequential six-step filter—including requirements for national strategic interest, lack of alternative deposits, and full economic valuation—that must be satisfied before any mining authorisation is considered. It emphasizes a risk-averse approach where authorisations may be denied or strictly limited to specific methods, such as underground mining, to avoid fatal flaws in environmental authorisations.

The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is a Johannesburg-based research institute that conducts social science research and advocacy to improve democratic governance and state capacity in South Africa. Its work is organised into five primary programmes: Land Governance, State Reform, Local Government, Just Transition, and COMPACT (a EU-funded initiative for municipal accountability). PARI collaborates with academic institutions, civil society, and state bodies to address issues such as tenure security, public procurement corruption, municipal financial sustainability, and the decarbonisation of the power sector.