In the White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's biological diversity, it is stated that the research will be undertaken that is necessary to improve the understanding of the consequences of threatening processes or activities on ecological functions and processes (identification). Government intends to adopt a better approach towards biodiversity conservation and will strengthen existing support for research on the improved understanding of South Africa's ecosystems.

Government support research of the potential ecological, social and economic impacts of genetically modified organisms.

The Minister may, upon agreement with a land owner, perform any act for the purpose of public demonstration or for research in any matter relating to veld, soil or water conservation. (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act )
Several peoples, such as officers of the department and members of a soil conservation committee have the power to investigate the extent of water pollution of water sources because of farming methods. Entering of any land, surveying and sample taking are authorised .

Government will have to ensure that the costs of environmental impacts of the mining industry are not passed over to the community. It will require, among other things, ongoing research to improve and strengthen the measures, standards and practice applied to managing the impacts on the environment and to control pollution (A Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa).