Integrated environmental management and environmental awareness in South Africa: where are we going?

The objectives, principles and importance of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) are briefly discussed. The problems associated with a first world procedure in South Africa (a third world country), and the roles various groups play is related to the game of chess. Government authorities (King) are responsible for legislating the rules of the game, which are inadequate. The developers (Rooks) are concerned with economic growth but also wish to be appraised of environmental issues, but the lack of legislation results in confusion. The environmental pressure groups are Bishops with uncompromising and myopic views, and often do not represent all sectors of the public (Pawns), particularly African blacks whose view of the environment has been adversely affected by apartheid. The media are ‘Super‐pawns’, their attitude towards the environment depends on what the public want to hear, and they are dependent on the other players for their survival. The environmental consultants are Knights expected to solve the environmental problems associated with complex projects. It is concluded that, at present, the environmental chess game in South Africa will end in stalemate, unless adequate legislation and clearly defined guidelines are produced.