Marine Spatial Planning Bill [B9 -2017]

The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs invites you to submit written comments on the Marine Spatial Planning Bill [B9 -2017].

The purpose of the Bill is to :
▪ provide a framework for marine spatial planning in South Africa;
▪ provide for the development of marine spatial plans;
▪ provide for institutional arrangements for the implementation of marine spatial plans and governance of the use of the ocean by multiple sectors;

Comments can be emailed to Ms T Madubela at [email protected] by no later than Monday, 19 June 2017

Enquiries can be directed to Ms T Madubela on tel (021) 403 3713 or cell 083 304 9586

In addition to the written submissions, please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation to the Committee.

Issued by: Mr MP Mapulane, MP Chairperson: Portfolio Committee of Environmental Affairs.


Background
The ocean has become an attractive economic expansion opportunity as land resources are under increased pressure. As a result, there is much more intensive multiple sector usage which may lead to conflict situations. Individual sector planning in the ocean is no longer viable and there is a need to coordinate planning in South Africa’s ocean space and optimise sustainable economic growth. Sectoral ocean governance practices do not follow a plan-based approach. Regulation within sectors has little or no consideration of the policies and plans of other users or sectors that may be conflicting or compatible, thereby requiring coordination. Establishing boundaries for management and planning efforts are also most often based on political considerations and are not necessarily meaningful from an economic, ecological or social perspective. In August 2014, the President established the first Operation Phakisa for the Ocean Economy, led by the Department of Environmental Affairs, to focus on unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s ocean. One of the key outcomes at Operation Phakisa was the development of a Marine Spatial Plan (‘‘MSP’’), and an integrated ocean governance institutional framework to ensure effective implementation. The Department of Environmental Affairs was identified as the lead department to develop the MSP and the legislation to support it. The main purpose of the Marine Spatial Planning Bill, 2017 (‘‘the Bill’’), is to provide a statutory basis for the implementation of marine spatial planning for South Africa.