18 June 2021
Legislation
Directions
Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 – Directions
- GN R499 in GG 44700 of 11 June 2021 – Consolidated Direction on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Certain Workplaces published and GN R1031 in GG 43751 of 1 October 2020 withdrawn
- GN 496 in GG 44699 of 11 June 2021 – Gatherings relating to sport, arts and culture activities published and GN 461 in GG 43226 of 9 April 2020 amended
Notices
Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 – GN R529 in GG 44715 of 15 June 2021 – Determination of Adjusted Alert Level 3 published with effect from 16 June 2021
Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 – GN R530 in GG 44715 of 15 June 2021 – Regulations issued in terms of s. 27 (2) of the Act published in GN R480 in GG 43258 of 29 April 2020 amended with effect from 16 June 2021
Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 – GN R532 in GG 44721 of 17 June 2021 – Regulations issued in terms of s. 27 (2) of the Act published in GN R480 in GG 43258 of 29 April 2020 amended
Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947 – GN R541 in GG 44726 of 18 June 2021 – Proposed Regulations Regarding Agricultural Remedy – for comment
National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 – GN 495 in GG 44698 of 11 June 2021 – Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 amended
National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 – GN 517 in GG 44701 of 11 June 2021 – Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 of 2014 amended for applications submitted on or after 11 June 2021 except Activity 21E of Listing Notice 1 (6 months after publication) and Activity 21F of Listing Notice 1 (a date to be determined)
Financial Markets Act 19 of 2012 – BN 61 in GG 44701 of 11 June 2021 – Financial Sector Conduct Authority: proposed amendments to the STRATE Rules – for comment
National Nuclear Regulator Act 57 of 1999 – GN R504 in GG 44700 of 11 June 2021 – Regulations: Long term operation of Nuclear Installations (published in Afrikaans only)
Provinces
Eastern Cape
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 – LAN 133 in PG 4578 of 14 June 2021 – OR Tambo District Municipality: Notice to comment on the draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF)
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 134 in PG 4578 of 14 June 2021 – Umzimvubu Local Municipality: Standard By-Laws relating to Noise Control
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 135 in PG 4578 of 14 June 2021 – Umzimvubu Local Municipality – By-Laws related to Impoundment of Animals
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 136 in PG 4578 of 14 June 2021 – Umzimvubu Local Municipality – Cemetery, Crematoria and Funeral Undertakers By-Laws
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 137 in PG 4578 of 14 June 2021 – Umzimvubu Local Municipality – Standard By-Laws relating to the Keeping of animals, birds, poultry and pets
Mpumalanga
Spatial Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 – LAN 56 in PG 3269 of 11 June 2021 – Nkangala District Municipality – Appointment of new external members to serve on the Municipal Planning Tribunal
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 57 in PG 3269 of 11 June 2021 – Emalahleni Local Municipality: Electricity By-laws
Western Cape
Western Cape Toll Roads Act 11 of 1999 – PN 65 in PG 8446 of 11 June 2021 – Levying of Tolls for Chapman’s Peak Drive published and Toll Tariffs for Chapman’s Peak Drive as published under PN 41 in PG 8248 of 11 June 2020 repealed with effect from 1 July 2021
Gauteng
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 – LAN 617 in PG 197 of 16 June 2021 – Midvaal Local Municipality – draft Outdoor Advertising By-law 2021 – for comment
Gauteng Township Economic Development Bill, 2021 – PN 497 in PG 198 of 17 June 2021 – with the memorandum on the objects of the Bill – for comment
______________________________________________________________________________________
CASES
National
Black Eagle Project Roodekrans v MEC: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Gauteng Provincial Government and Others (542/2019) [2021] ZASCA 84 (17 June 2021)
“Summary: Administrative Law – review of appeal decision by Member of Executive Council (MEC) – failure to timeously review decision of the Head of Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Gauteng Provincial Government (HOD), subject of the appeal decision of the MEC – inordinate delay in seeking to review HOD’s decision – want of compliance with ss 7 and 9 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 – appeal dismissed.”International
Publications
National
Gilder A, Rumble O and Parker M Concise Guide to Carbon Tax (LexisNexis 2021) Discount for ELA Members
Home R (ed) Land Issues for Urban Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa (Springer 2021) (can also buy individual chapters – some of them on South Africa – others focusing on African issues)
International
Dickson B et al “Ecosystem Restoration for People, Nature and Climate” (UNEP Report 2021)
Ryan E, Curry H and Rule H “Environmental Rights for the 21st Century: Comparing the Public Trust Doctrine and the Rights of Nature Movement” 2021 43 Cordozo L. Rev.
Ryan E “The Twin Environmental Law Problems of Preemption and Political Scale” in Hirokawa H and Owley J (eds) Environmental Law, Disrupted (2021)
Ryan E et al “Environmental Law, Disrupted by COVID-19” 2021 51 Envtl L. Rep. 10509
Obringer R “The overlooked environmental footprint of increasing Internet use” 2021 167 Resources, Conservation and Recycling 105389
The Greens/EFA “Green European Space Policy” (Report June 2021)
ICLEI “ICLEI in the Urban Era: Our Vision for a Sustainable Urban World” (Report May 2021)
Blogs, Discussions, Websites, Videos, ETC
South Africa
Biodiversity, protected areas, culture
allAfrica: Damons M “South Africa: ‘Walk of Resistance’ Against Amazon Site” 17 June 2021
allAfrica: Truscott R “African Weaver Nests Provide Eco Shelter for Cheetahs, Kudus and Owls” 17 June 2021
allAfrica: “South Africa: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment On Splitting of Squid Resource Between Small-Scale Fishing and Local Commercial Sectors” 18 June 2021
Climate Change and Energy
Lexology White & Case LLP: Richards M, Stolp J and Bibis R “New 100MW licensing threshold for embedded generation creates opportunities for self-generation” 16 June 2021
Lexology DLA Piper: MacDonald J and Mokaba K: “A step forward for energy security in South Africa’ 14 June 2021
Mail & Guardian: Koko K “Ramaphosa unveils policy amendments to help struggling Eskom” 10 June 2021 [Legalbrief 15 June 2021]
groundWork: “groundWork Statement on the Presidential Announcement of the intended amendment to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act (4 of 2006) – New Embedded Generation Projects Must Not Include Dirty Fuels and Leave the Poor Behind” 11 June 2021
amaBhungane: “Powership company trails corruption claims in its wake” 19 June 2021
amaBhungane: “Powerships: Enviro investigation could capsize R225-billion deal” 10 June 2021
Daily Maverick: Aweh P “Using emergency powerships to solve the energy crisis sounds like a great idea, so what’s the problem with the Karpowerships?” 19 June 2021
allAfrica: Hunter N et al “Reuters’ Hot List of climate scientists is geographically skewed: why this matters” 15 June 2021
Mining Weekly: Creamer T “100 MW reform ‘precursor’ to new market-driven electricity supply industry – De Ruyter” 18 June 2021
Environmental enforcement
IOL: Singh K “Free, all-female climate and environmental justice law clinic launched in KZN” 9 June 2021 [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
Local government
allAfrica: Isaacs J “South Africa: East London Residents Say They Live in Filth” 18 June 2021
The Conversation: Sihlobo W “Small towns are collapsing across South Africa. How it’s starting to affect farming” 18 June 2021
Mining
Webber Wentzel: Olivier J, Braum J and Johnson S “Strike guidelines set aside by High Court” 6 May 2021
Webber Wentzel: Rapson G and Bogopa T “Update: NEMA Financial Provisioning Regulations, 2015 – further extension to comply” 14 June 2021
Lexology ENS: Sitefane M and Christie L “10 things to know about the Draft Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy 2021” 15 June 2021
Mining Weekly: Arnoldi M “AfriForum raises concern about incoming artisanal mining policy” 18 June 2021
MoneyWeb: Biesheuvel T “Anglo’s coal spinoff is worth zero, research firm Boatman says Given the scale of environmental clean-up costs” 7 June 2021 [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
Mining Weekly: Bulbulia T “Sibanye-Stillwater gives updated guidance on climate policy, other ESG matters” 18 June 2021
Water, Waste, Oceans and Chemicals
Mail & Guardian: Gilili C “New plan to tackle marine pollution” 18 June 2021
Africa
Biodiversity, Soil, Protected Areas and Culture
Lexology: “Africa’s Great Green Wall” 15 June 2021
The Herald: “UK hails Zim’s biodiversity management” 10 June 2021 [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
Outforia: Caring Countries: Which countries are the greenest countries in the world? [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
allAfrica: Ssenyonyi T “Uganda: Bunyoro Farmers Urged to Plant More Trees” 19 June 2021
allAfrica: Gassner A, Dobie P and Nasi R “Africa’s Drylands Are Getting More Support. How to Make the Most of This” 18 June 2021
Climate Change and Energy
allAfrica: “Africa Renewable Energy Fund II Secures €125 Million First Close With Sefa and Ctf Investments” 18 June 2021
Environmental enforcement
allAfrica: Dumbuya IK “Sierra Leone: Environment Protection Agency Engages Communities On Key Environmental Issues” 16 June 2021
Local government
ICLEI City Talk: Strydom A “In Africa, affordable and clean energy starts with a lightswitch and a smoke-free stove” 14 June 2021
Open Access Government: “Are cities and regions helping nations to gain momentum on stronger climate goals?” 7 June 2021
allAfrica: Chikwati E “Zimbabwe: Honeymoon Over for Illegal Water Users” 18 June 2021
allAfrica: “Namibia: Grootfontein Rubbishes Dustbin Tender Irregularities” 17 June 2021
Mining
allAfrica: Mhlanga F “Zimbabwe: Mines, Banks in Crunch Talks Over U.S. Sanctions” 13 June 2021
Mail & Guardian: Gilili C “NGOs call for stoppage of ‘cruel’ coal project in Zimbabwe” 6 June 2021 [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
Lexology: “The sudanese mineral law regime and potential law reform recommendations” 9 June 2021
Bosaletswe C “EIA Committee quashes Ghanzi farmer’s claim that mining bad for environment” 31 May 2021
Mining Weekly: Slater D “Partnership removes thousands of children from forced labour at DRC mines” 18 June 2021
Mining Weekly: Burger S “Surface miners developing remote environmental audits – Aspasa” 18 June 2021
Water, Oceans, Waste and Chemicals
Bizcommunity: Mourad M, Abdallah N and Jalabi R “Arab states call on UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopian dam” 17 June 2021
allAfrica: “Draft Water Strategy – The African Development Bank Group Invites External Stakeholders’ Input” 16 June 2021
Miscellaneous
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “To Unlock Climate Action Potential, Africa Needs High-Impact Agriculture Investment” 11 June 2021
Natural Justice: Raharijaona SA and Rasolojaona J “Les communautés locales au centre de la défense leurs droits humains pour protéger la nature et leur mode de vie à Madagascar” [Local communities at the centre of defending their human right to protect nature and their way of life in Madagascar] 15 June 2021
Reuters: “Ivory Coast says chocolate traders failing to pay farmers living wage premium” 19 June 2021
Makanday: “Government officials ‘harvest’ farmers money” [Zambia] 16 June 2021
International
Biodiversity, Protected Areas, and Culture
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Beyond Planting Trees: Let Communities Lead Restoration” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Sustainable Fisheries Versus Harmful Subsidies: Let’s End the War of Attrition” 14 June 2021
IISD ENB: Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services – IPBES | Stakeholder Days and 8th Session of the IPBES Plenary | 3–24 June 2021 | Online
Lexology: “Biodiversity – Brazil: Does the Nagoya Protocol Set Limits to the Scope of Domestic Legislation?” 16 June 2021
Thomas Reuters Foundation: Chappell K “Trees or tourists? Jamaica’s COVID recovery push threatens green aims” 14 June 2021
Lexology: “Will new breeding technics get a new legal framework?” 15 June 2021
Science: Viveros A “This ‘living fossil’ could reach 100 years old” 17 June 2021
Science: Cantwell M “Cicadas that come out every 17 years may emerge more often in the future” 15 June 2021
Lexology: “Launch of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures” 8 June 2021
Climate Change and Energy
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “G7 Stock Indexes Must FIt 1.5C Limit, Say Global Compact, CDP, SBTi” 16 June 2021
Lexology: “Climate Law Memorandum: Goals and Means for Handling the Climate Crisis” [Israel] 14 June 2021
Lexology: ““The Last Judgment”: Italian government’s climate policy challenged in the courts” 15 June 2021
Lexology: “B.C. Court of Appeal Provides Guidance on the Relevance of Climate Change Impacts in Administrative Decision Making” 16 June 2021
Lexology: “DOI Announces Competitive Lease Sale for Offshore Wind Development off the Coasts of New York and New Jersey” 16 June 2021
Washington Post: Joffe C “Opinion: Who will be Virginia’s climate governor?” [USA] 18 June 2021
Lexology: “NYDFS Study Finds Insurers’ Assets Are “Meaningfully Exposed” to Climate Risks” [USA] 10 June 2021
Lexology: “Minister found to owe duty of care to consider climate change in decision making” 15 June 2021
Lexology: “Shell climate case: digging deeper into the court’s legal reasoning” 11 June 2021
Science: Voosen P “California’s fire-fanning Santa Ana winds may not get any better with climate change” 18 June 2021
Lexology: “Australia: Amendments to the NGER scheme proposed for hydrogen, enhanced oil recovery, and oil and gas fugitive emissions” 11 June 2021
Declassified UK: Hudson K “The UK’s new nuclear strategy is illegal and dangerous to the world” 9 June 2021
Environmental Enforcement
Lexology: “Coca-Cola Faces “Sustainable” Lawsuit” [USA] 16 June 2021
Lexology: “Victoria’s new environmental protection reforms and the national state of play: part two” [Australia] 17 June 2021
Lexology: “Do you have new duties under Victoria’s amended environmental laws?” [Australia] 16 June 2021
Lexology: “Supplemental Environmental Projects -A Long History and an Uncertain Future” [USA] 14 June 2021
Lexology: “In review: environmental protection regulations in Australia” 4 March 2021
Lexology: “Dispute resolution and environmental impact – new practices to reduce environmental impact” 11 June 2021
Lexology: “Supreme Administrative Court once again favours environmental organisations” [Austria] 14 June 2021
Lexology: “The Ministry of Environment, IBAMA and ICMBIO publish new normative instruction updating the procedures related to inspection reports” [Brazil] 11 June 2021
Lexology: “Women in Arbitration – The challenges of arbitrating environmental disputes” 8 June 2021
Local government
Lexology: “Through a Retail Lens: A Look at California’s Density Bonus Law, Other Legislative Updates” 16 June 2021
Thomas Reuters Foundation: Biron C “U.S. cities put trust in community hubs to counter climate, social shocks” 15 June 2021
Thomas Reuters Foundation: Beh Lih Yi “Malaysian urban dwellers ‘reclaim’ city land, one garden at a time” 10 June 2021
ICLEI: “Three Argentine cities build vision for a fair and sustainable energy transition by 2050” 11 June 2021
ICLEI: “Combined heat & power systems using renewable energy” 25 May 2021
Mining
Lexology: “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer: midstream-midstream commercial deals in a disciplined upstream operator environment” [USA] 17 June 2021
Water, Oceans, Waste and Chemicals
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “PPE Waste in the Ocean: Standardized Approach Urgently Needed” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Better Toy Safety Policies Needed to Protect Children: SAICM Report” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Experts Discuss Targets, Indicators for Chemicals and Waste Management Framework” 14 June 2021
Scientific American: Rosinger AY “Human Evolution Led to an Extreme Thirst for Water” 1 July 2021
Lexology: “State-by-State Regulation of PFAS Substances in Drinking Water” [USA] 9 June 2021
Lexology: “Wider application of flood planning rules” [Australia] 14 June 2021
Science: Popkin G “This ecologist thinks coastal wetlands can outrun rising seas. Not everyone’s convinced” 17 June 2021
Miscellaneous
Monmouth University’s Institute for Global Understanding recently hosted a symposium on “Human Rights and the Environment,” which featured Rebecca Bratspies, Josh Gellers, Damilola Olawuyi, Maria Antonia Tigre, and several other of the GNSHRE’s bright lights. Recordings have just been made available here: https://www.monmouth.edu/igu/symposium/ – For more information, please contact Prof. Randy Abate at . [provided by Anel du Plessis CLES]
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “G7 Leaders Set Out Priorities Ahead of WTO Ministerials” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Trade Liberalization Can Perpetuate Historical Disparities: World Bank’ 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “SDSN Releases 2021 Findings on National, Global Performance Towards SDGs” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “G7 Leaders Set Out Priorities Ahead of WTO Ministerials” 16 June 2021
IISD SDG Knowledge Hub: “Experts Call for Reframing Trade and Environment Narrative” 14 June 2021
IISD ENB: Global Environment Facility – GEF | 60th Meeting of the GEF Council | 14–18 June 2021 | Online
Lexology: “Bank of Israel: Environmental Considerations and Risks Should Be Part of Banking Corporations’ Risk Management” 13 June 2021
Conferences, Workshops, Study Opportunities
National
Animal rights in South African law (Zoom webinar)
Topic: What are “animal rights” and what rights do animals in South Africa have?
Presented by Tony Gerrans – Executive Director at the Humane Society International – Africa.
28 June, 9:00-11:00 SAST
R695/person
Register here
IMBEWU’s Environmental Law Update Workshop
For more information about the course consult the website.
CBSS Training Courses in Water Governance scheduled for 2021
- 17 – 19 August 2021, in Pretoria
- Refresher (for those who attended previous courses): 19 August 2021
- Early Bird discount applicable until 6 July 2021
- Registration closes 20 July 2021
- Only TWO (2) seats still available
- 7 – 9 September 2021, near Stellenbosch
- Refresher (for those who attended previous courses): 9 September 2021
- Early bird payment before 20 July 2021
- Registration closes 3 August 2021
- Nine (9) seats still available
- Mpumalanga, KZN and Eastern Cape: date and venue to be confirmed, depending on interest
You can register here
NWU: Unit for Continuing Education Short Courses
CEM-03.1.1 Environmental Management Systems: 5 – 9 July 2021
Contact Rosy Moloto: 018 299 2725 / Nonzuzu Seleka: 018 299 1470 for more information
South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (SAIFAC): 10-part series on Climate Change Leadership: Bringing Science, People and Policy Together
- 17 June 2021: Topic 4: Looking back, looking forward – can law change the climate change trajectory?
- 29 July 2021: Topic 5: Who produces CO2 and why? What are the options and technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
- 19 August 2021: Topic 6: Increasing pressure, increasing implications for businesses?
- 2 September 2021: Topic 8: Jobs or the environment? How can climate change responses address the interests of labour?
- 30 September 2021: Topic 9: Preparing for COP 26 – What does South Africa want from the COP negotiations?
- 14 October 2021: Topic 10: Where to from here? The role of the next generation and their views on a safe and human world for all
More information available on the SAIFAC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SAIFAConline
Enterprises @ University of Pretoria Online Short Course in Environmental Law
Date: 21 June to 2 July 2021
Led by Dr Melanie Murcott
More information
IAIAsa National Conference: Re-thinking IEM in pursuit of the sustainable development goals: 1st call for presentations
Date: 17-19 August 2021
Call for abstracts here – Abstract deadline: 4 June 2021
Webinar – Royal Society and ASSAf: GM Crops and the Global Divide by Professor Jennifer Thomson
Date: Jun 16, 2021
Time: 5pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89501898108?pwd=VmpEbmhxMEp3cUlWUDZOdVBrb3lvUT09
Meeting ID: 895 0189 8108 / Passcode: 106392
UCT Law Short Course: What are “animal rights” and what rights do animals in South Africa have? – Presented by Tony Gerrans – Executive Director at the Humane Society International – Africa
Date: 28 June 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 SAST
More information
CLES Critical Conversation: Social Security Law as an Adaption Measure to Climate Change in South African Cities
Date: 8 July 2021 @ 14:00 pm
To register: https://forms.gle/jBfJj3JDu77nyUJb6
UWC Dullah Omar Institute Webinar: Municipalities and food security: a constitutional analysis
Date: Tuesday, 20 July 2021│ Time: 13:00 – 14:30 PM SAST
All participants are required to register
SASS5 Course
Place: 9A Quarry Road, Hilton, KZN
Date: 23 – 26 August 2021.
Please refer to our full advert on our website (under training) www.groundtruth.co.za for more details and booking forms. Please note that we are limited to only 12 people, due to the current COVID limitations/restrictions currently place. Should these change, we reserve the right to cancel/defer the course to a later stage.
Call for Nominations: Environmental Rights & Remedies – a course for activists: Women and environmental justice
To apply – or nominate – someone for this course, download the Call for nominations: Environmental Rights and Remedies – a training course for activists. The closing date is 31 July 2021.
International
The Road to COP 26/CMA 3 Preparatory Lecture Series:
Date: 2 July 2021, 12:00 (London) / 17:00 (Dhaka): The perspective of the Least Developed Countries on Loss and Damage from climate change by Dr Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) and Professor at the Independent University Bangladesh (IUB)
Date: 30 July 2021 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) Global Goal for Adaptation for Raising Ambition under the Paris Agreement by Selam Kidane Abebe, Legal Advisor for the African Group of Negotiators under the UNFCCC
Date: 26 August 2021, 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) Streamlining the Ocean into COP 26 and beyond by Nilufer Oral, Director, CIL-NUS and Member of the International Law Commission
Date: 24 September 2021, 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) Equity and Fairness in International Climate Change Law by Lavanya Rajamani, Professor of International Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford
Date: 8 October 2021, 10:00 (London) / 18:00 (SGT) The Compensation Question: Loss and Damages by Linda Siegele, Legal Advisor to AOSIS Member States
More information
IUCN AEL 2021 Groningen Colloquium Registration
Date: 28 June 2021 – 2 July 2021
Register here
GNHRE Book launch on a new book on Rights of Nature: A Re-examination
Date: 7 July 2021 at 9am PDT/12noon EDT/6pm CAT&CEST
More information and registration
16th Annual SAEEC Conference
Date: 3-5 November 2021
Submission of abstract here by 30 June 2021
Early registration
More information
IAIA22: Call for session proposals and training courses: Confidence in Impact Assessment: Policies, Partnerships, and Public Involvement
Dates: 4-7 May 2022
Place: Vancouver, Canada
More information
1st Annual Conference on Carbon Removal Law and Policy: Exploring Ocean-Based Approaches to CDR
Date: 21 September 2021 Virtual
More information
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News
National
Biodiversity, protected areas, animal rights, culture
Call for comments on the IPBES assessment of the sustainable use of wild species
“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has released a High-Level Panel (HLP) report which contains 18 goals and 60 recommendations on matters related to the management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. The DFFE and its partners are presently engaging with the intergovernmental consultation on the High Level Panel report and the draft policy response and intent on the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of these iconic species.
One of the recommendations of the HLP report is to have in place an overarching biodiversity conservation and sustainable use framework that would enhance the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Building on the momentum created by the HLP report and the draft policy position, the department would like to initiate a process to develop a white paper on biodiversity and sustainable use which involves the review and update of the 1997 draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity. A workshop for stakeholders will be hosted mid- June (TBC) on co-creating a policy framework that encapsulates a shared vision of conservation and sustainable use for South Africa. More information will be communicated in due course.” Open until 29 June 2021 for comment
“Rhino Poaching: 25 Incidents, 3 Arrests, 1 Sentence, 1 Kingpin Killed in 1 Week” SA People News 18 June 2021
“23 years’ prison time for rhino poacher” BizCommunity 18 June 2021
Engel K “Watch: Pangolin Reintroduction Project revives the endangered species” IOL 18 June 2021
“Department allocates 15% of squid catch to small scale fisheries” SANews 17 June 2021
Economy: Squid joins small-scale fishery basket
“Squid has been added to the basket of species available to SA’s small-scale fishers, who have been allocated 15% of the ‘total allowable’ catch. According to a media statement announcing the move yesterday, the allocation is expected to be increased to 25% ‘over the next few years’ and will be reviewed annually with that in mind. An accompanying departmental ‘record of decision’ notes that the only way of ‘accommodating small-scale fishers’ with a view to developing this ‘lucrative and already over-subscribed’ sub-sector is to reduce allocations to ‘existing operators’.” Read full report in Legalbrief Policy Watch 18 June 2021
Criminal: Alleged rhino poaching mastermind assassinated
“The alleged mastermind of a rhino poaching syndicate in Mpumalanga was assassinated in a rain of bullets in Hazyway yesterday ahead of the conclusion of his trials, Beeld reports. Petrus Sydney Mabuza (57), also known as ‘Mr Big’, was involved in several rhino poaching, corruption and money laundering trials. He was sitting in a bakkie in a parking lot in front of a shopping centre when a car pulled alongside and he was shot at close range. Police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi said they are looking for the assassins and confirmed that several trials involving Mabuza were under way in the High Court. Mabuza was apprehended alongside other alleged syndicate members in 2018 as part of an operation by the Hawks, which was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Leroy Bruwer. Bruwer was murdered on 17 March 2020. The man accused of murdering Bruwer, Sinovuyo Salela (28), will stand trial next month.” Full Beeld report (subscription needed) Legalbrief 18 June 2021
Climate change and energy
“Editorial: SA risks being left behind as the world turns green” BusinessLive 18 June 2021
Neves J “De Ruyter “perfected” corruption around coal deal, says Ted Blom – Eskom dismisses allegations” BizNews 18 June 2021
“Emergency power fiasco compounds South Africa’s energy crisis” Engineering News 17 June 2021
Sguazzin A “Second environmental complaint for Karpowership in SA” BizNews 18 June 2021
“Fishermen, oyster farmers fear power-generating ship will kill business” Engineering News 18 June 2021
Local government
Broughton T “’It is unacceptable’: judge rebukes municipality over landfill fiasco” TimesLive 17 June 2021
Washinyira T “SAHRC commissioner finds sewage gushing from drains in Cape Town housing project” GroundUp 15 June 2021
Sizani M “Police and shack dwellers clash over illegal connections in Gqeberha” GroundUp 14 June 2021
Simkins C “Our health in brief – part two: What are municipalities doing?” GroundUp 14 June 2021
Gilili C “Eskom to take over distribution, billing at troubled Free State municipality” Mail & Guardian 15 June 2021
Mining
“Is it diamonds or crystal quartz? KwaHlathi residents continue to dig for more” 702 15 June 2021
“KZN premier calls for order amid reports of illegal mining in KwaHlathi” BizCommunity 14 June 2021
Lepedi M “Sanco accuses Mineral Resources Department of turning blind eye to illegal mining activities” SABC News 17 June 2021
“Large methane leak detected over South Africa coal mining region” Engineering News 16 June 2021
“Water and Sanitation extends time for public comment on unconventional gas regulations” www.gov.za 14 June 2021
“Action needed to combat illegal mining” BizCommunity 18 June 2021
Liedtke S “Deep-South’s prospecting renewal application denied” Mining Weekly 17 June 2021
Liedtke S “Renergen intersects gas-bearing fracture system at Virginia project” Mining Weekly 17 June 2021
Water, oceans, waste and chemicals
Naidoo D “Vaal water system intervention – mission critical” BizCommunity 18 June 2021
Venter I “BMW kicks off recycling initiative for tungsten production tools” Engineering News 17 June 2021
Miscellaneous
Du Plessis A “Money-metric poverty: Most South Africans can’t afford basic foods” BizCommunity 18 June 2021
“How research, collaboration are contributing to food security in Africa” BizCommunity 18 June 2021
International
Biodiversity, protected areas, animal rights and culture
“US bans two Namibia ex-ministers over accepting bribes” News24 15 June 2021
Williams M “Save Fairy Creek: The battle over Western Canada’s ancient forests” Reuters 7 June 2021
Greenfield P “We are running out of time to reach deal to save natural world, says UN talks chair” The Guardian 7 June 2021 [Legalbrief Environmental 15 June 2021]
Booysen N and dos Santos N “WHO in hot water as activists bare teeth over ‘harmful’ Covid ‘anti-shark pills’ video” Daily Maverick 18 June 2021
Maas C “Biden administration plans to restore environmental protections to Tongass National Forest” The Jurist 14 June 2021
“Mysterious coelacanth fish can live for 100 years – study” The Guardian 18 June 2021
“‘Road to extinction’: koalas could soon be listed as endangered in swathes of eastern Australia” The Guardian 18 June 2021
Dunne D “Orchid thought to be extinct in UK discovered on rooftop of London bank” The Independent 14 June 2021
Climate change and energy
“UN climate talks to take political dimension after ‘no breakthroughs’ on Article 6” Carbon Pulse 17 June 2021
“NGOs call for EU-wide gas phaseout by 2035” Carbon Pulse 17 June 2021
Wettengel J “Next German government must introduce end date for fossil fuels – think tanks” Clean Energy Wire 17 June 2021
“Russia says EU carbon border tax may impinge on global trade rules” Reuters 17 June 2021
Hannam P “NSW to invest $380 million to turbocharge renewable energy rollout” Sydney Morning Herald 17 June 2021
Gilmer EM “North Dakota Presses Supreme Court on EPA Climate Regulation” Bloomberg Law 18 June 2021
“South Korea’s ruling party leader pushes for stronger climate target” Carbon Pulse 16 June 2021
Harrabin R “UK warned it is unprepared for climate chaos” BBC 17 June 2021
“European Citizens’ Initiative: Commission decides to register ‘Ban Fossil Fuel Advertising and Sponsorships’ initiative” EC 16 June 2021
Amelang S “Greens decide against ratcheting up party’s climate plans as bid for chancellery flounders” [Germany] Clean Energy Wire 14 June 2021
“Croatian island eyes green energy self-sufficiency in this decade” Reuters 18 June 2021
Carney T “Russia’s Responsibility for the Hack on the US Pipeline Under International Law” The Jurist 18 June 2021
Harvey F “High greenhouse gas emitters should pay for carbon they produce, says IMF” The Guardian 18 June 2021
Boffey D “Wind turbine clash adds to UK-EU post-Brexit tensions” The Guardian 17 June 2021
“Sasol able to produce green hydrogen within 24 months – CEO” Mining Weekly 17 June 2021
Shalal A “Global carbon price floor would limit global warming – IMF staff” Reuters 18 June 2021
Taylor K “Infrastructure dispute reveals deep divisions in Europe over gas” EurActiv 15 June 2021
Meza E “German government looking to boost offshore wind sector” Clean Energy Wire 18 June 2021
Environmental enforcement
Williams K “Climate activists challenge Norway’s Arctic oil plans in Europe rights court” The Jurist 18 June 2021
Stephenson SK “US Supreme Court refuses to move California suit against oil companies to federal court” The Jurist 15 June 2021
Jamwal K and Rosencranz A “Royal Dutch Shell Ordered to Reduce Its Carbon Emissions” The Jurist 15 June 2021
Johnson H “Switzerland voters reject three environmental laws” The Jurist 14 June 2021
Profiri I “Germany passes law requiring corporate due diligence human rights, environment” The Jurist 13 June 2021
Rankin J “Belgium’s climate failures violate human rights, court rules” The Guardian 18 June 2021
Local government
Meza E “City of Berlin lawmakers pass rooftop solar law, approve buyback of city grid” Clean Energy Wire 18 June 2021
Mining
“More China coal investments overseas cancelled than commissioned since 2017 – research” Reuters 16 June 2021
Doyan K “Federal judge blocks Biden administration’s pause on oil and gas leases” The Jurist 17 June 2021
Readfearn G “Adani blasted over ‘toxic’ $4bn plan to use Australian coal to make plastic in India” The Guardian 18 June 2021
Murphy K and Morton A “Scott Morrison says gas will ‘always’ be a major contributor to Australia’s prosperity” The Guardian 15 June 2021
“Aboriginal groups reject bill to protect cultural heritage in Western Australia mining state” Mining Weekly 18 June 2021
Slater D “Court judgment on NMP’s Sandpiper licence postponed until June 30” Mining Weekly 17 June 2021
Water, waste, oceans and chemicals
Abidellaoui J “Palm fronds and stones: creating reefs to heal Tunisia’s polluted seas” BizCommunity 14 June 2021
Harvey F “‘The next pandemic’: drought is a hidden global crisis, UN says” The Guardian 17 June 2021
Singh M “‘Potentially the worst drought in 1,200 years’: scientists on the scorching US heatwave” The Guardian 18 June 2021
Hannam P “Grim climate forecasts point to shrivelling rivers in northern NSW” Sydney Morning Herald 19 June 2021
Galeana N “‘There’s no water,’ says California farm manager forced to leave fields fallow” Reuters 18 June 2021
Groom M “Methane menace: Aerial survey spots ‘super-emitter’ landfills” Reuters 18 June 2021
Jaeger KL “Most rivers and streams run dry every year” Nature 16 June 2021 – read the scientific article here
Miscellaneous
Fuller G “Pollutionwatch: how sources of summertime smog are changing” The Guardian 18 June 2021
“ECB’s Schnabel wants bond-buying green tilt” Reuters 14 June 2021
EU Voluntary bond
“The EU’s green bond standard will be voluntary rather than binding for issuers. The new bond rules, tied to the bloc’s green taxonomy blueprint for environmentally-friendly investments, will be ready for use in 2022 and aim to “set the global standard,” according to the document obtained by Bloomberg ahead of its planned publication next month. Green debt issuance has emerged as one of the fastest-growing corners of finance, with Europe taking a lead as nearly a quarter of its bond sales this year are related to ethical factors even amid over what counts as environmentally friendly.” Carbon Pulse 19 June 2021
Vacancies, Bursaries, Funding, Opportunities, etc.
National
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation – (BC04/2021)
Closing date: 19 July 2021
More information
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Senior Legal Administration Officer: Law Reform – RCSM13 /2021
Closing date: 21 June 2021
More information
University of Stellenbosch: Faculty Writing and Media Coordinator
Closing date: 30 June 2021
More information
Paralegal: focus on bonds
More information
Conveyancing Attorney/PRO, Cape Town
More information
Compliance Officer, George
More information
International
Director of Education University of Queensland Australia
Professor in Socio-Environmental Sustainability University of Oulu Finland
Assistant Professor of Law Singapore Management University Singapore
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Legal Education
University of New South Wales Faculty of Law and Justice
Faculty Position in Law
Monash University
Senior Academic Staff in Constitutional Law
University of Antwerp Faculty of Law
Senior Academic Staff in Administrative Law
University of Antwerp Faculty of Law
Doctoral Researcher in Violence against the Police
Catholic University of Leuven Department of Work and Organisation Studies
Professor in Socio-Environmental Sustainability
University of Oulu
Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Justice of Water, Energy and Food Governance in South Africa
Utrecht University Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Innovation and Sustainability Transitions
University of Oslo
Assistant Professor of Law
Singapore Management University
Faculty Position in Law
Singapore Management University Yong Pung How School of Law
Doctoral Candidates in Peace and Conflict Research
Uppsala University Department of Peace and Conflict Research
Professor in Civil Law
Ajman University College of Law
Professor/Associate Professor in Public International Law
Ajman University College of Law
Professor/Associate Professor in Public Finance Law
Ajman University College of Law
Assistant/Associate Professor of Business Law
Ajman University College of Business Administration
Chief Investment Officer, Natural Strategies GmbH – Remote/EU
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