Sustainable development requires that ecosystems not be disturbed. Where it cannot be avoided, it must be minimized and remedied. The development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part must not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardized. Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands ect. require specific attention in management and planning procedures, especially where they are subject to significant human resource usage and development pressure (National environmental principles; NEMA).

Aquatic ecosystems must be protected in order to secure ecologically sustainable development and use of the relevant water resource (The Reserve; National Water Act).

The National Forests Act includes principles to guide decisions affecting forests with regard to the conservation of biological diversity, ecosystems, habitats and natural resources. 

The minister may determine the policy for environmental conservation regarding the protection of ecological processes, natural systems ect; the promotion of sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems and the effective application and re-use of natural resources; and the protection of the environment, among others, against disturbance, deterioration, poisoning and pollution as a result of processes, human activities ect. (Environment Conservation Act, section 2)

Riparian forest forms an integral and important part of the river ecosystem. Veld, forest and mountain fires need to be prevented since they will enhance the floods, erosion and deposition risks. In addition, surface water flowing from the burned areas may carry increased levels of sediment, organic debris, and chemicals that can contribute to degradation of municipal water supplies and aquatic habitats. (National Veld and Forest Fire Act)

The White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's biological diversity provides for essential ecosystems and biological resources to be protected in order to meet basic human needs:

      An ecosystem consists of communities of plants, animals and microorganisms, and the soil, water and air on which they depend. (biodiversity;   Convention on biodiversity)

      Biological diversity is best conserved in the wild (in-sito), through the conservation and restoration of ecosystems and natural habitats. (Goals)

      Ecosystems and habitats that contain high diversity, that are under particular threat, ect. will be identified.

      Legal measures and incentives to conserve important ecosystems outside of protected areas will be introduced (objective1.2). There will be support for research on the improved understanding of the structure, function and composition of South Africa's different ecosystems.

      Degraded ecosystems will be rehabilitated (objective1.5).

      The introduction of potentially harmful alien species will be prevented and controlled and those which threaten the ecosystems, eradicated (objective1.6).

      To avoid and minimize threats to ecosystems the collection of biological resources from natural habitats for ex-sito conservation should be regulated and managed (objective1.8).

      Wetlands and estuarine areas represent some of our most threatened ecosystems, thus is their conservation and sustainable use crucial (Aquatic areas and wetlands, and Estuaries).