National Framework for Sustainable Development Dorah Nteo Department of Environmental Affairs

Outline Background Mandate Rationale Sustainable Development defined in SA context Priority Areas for Strategic Intervention Key Elements of a National SD Strategy Recommendations for a Green Economy Plan

Background National Framework for Sustainable Development was approved by Cabinet in July 2008 The MTSF identifies the implantation of the NFSD as one of the priorities for the mandate period NFSD implementation starts with the translation of a “framework” into a “strategy” with a clear action plan & targets Draft Strategy was published for public comment on 14 May 2010, Gazette number: 33184

NFSD/NSSD mandate Constitutional: “…secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.” Section 24 (b) of the Constitution WSSD outcome: Para 162 of JPOI : “…take steps to make progress in the formulation and elaboration of national strategies for sustainable development…..”

Rationale A need for a single coherent framework that articulates our development context, and sets out our common vision and priorities for sustainable development NFSD  identifies key, short, medium and long–term challenges in sustainable development efforts  Sets a framework for a common understanding and vision of sustainable development;  identifies strategic focus areas for intervention

Sustainable Development defined in SA context SA’s approach to SD asserts that social, economic and ecosystem factors are embedded within each other, and are underpinned by governance systems Governance Ecosystem services Socio - - political systems Economy Governance Ecosystem services Socio-Political system - - Economy

Priority Areas for Strategic Intervention Enhancing systems for integrated planning and implementation Sustaining our ecosystem and using resources sustainably Economic development via investing in sustainable infrastructure. Creating sustainable human settlements Responding appropriately to emerging human development, economic and environmental challenges These interventions are: cross-cutting build on existing social, economic and environmental programs, respond to SA needs, priorities and targets for SD Respond to international sustainable development targets (including MDGs)

Key Elements of a National SD Strategy NFSD Enhancing systems for integrated planning and implementation Sustaining our ecosystem and using resources sustainably Economic development via investing in sustainable infrastructure. Creating sustainable human settlements Responding appropriately to emerging human development, economic and environmental challenges NSSD Enhancing Systems for Integrated Planning and Implementation Sustaining Our Ecosystems and Using Natural Resources Efficiently Towards a Green EconomyBuilding Sustainable CommunitiesResponding Effectively to Climate Change

Towards a green economy: Key Concerns – The economy is highly energy intensive – There is a strong emphasis on GDP growth which tends to promote unsustainable patterns of production and consumption; – The natural resource base is under severe pressure; – Our electricity demand exceeds the available supply capacity – There is widespread poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Recommendations for a Green Economy Plan Strategic goals from an SD perspective should include: – Increasing the contribution of the Environmental Goods and Services Sector to employment and the GDP; – Reducing the resource intensity of the economy (including energy and carbon); – Promoting cleaner technologies and investing in sustainable infrastructure; and – Promoting sustainable livelihoods and building local economies

“Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract -- sustainable development -- and turn it into a reality for all the world's people.” Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations March 2001.

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