National environmental management principles guide the Government in any development that may significantly affect the environment (National Environmental Management Act). The potential impact of a proposed act or development must be investigated. Alternatives to lessen the possible harm on the environment must be considered. The effects of activities on the environment must be kept to the minimum. Impacts must be monitored and managed. The effectiveness of arrangements after their implementation must be assessed (Integrated environmental management, NEMA). Pollution or degradation of the environment must be prevented (Environmental Hazards, NEMA).

One of the factors that the National Water Act takes into account, is the reduction and prevention of pollution and degradation of water resources (Purpose of the Act). Several measures ensure the protection of all water resources.

The White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's biological diversity provides for the identification of processes or activities that have or are likely to have significant adverse impacts on terrestrial, aquatic and marine and coastal biodiversity. The effects of these processes and activities will be monitored, in conjunction with the approaches described in objective 4.2. Government undertakes to ensure that decisions regarding consequences of threatening processes or activities on ecological functions and processes be taken upon the best applicable knowledge available (Objective 1.1).

The risk associated with the introduction and release of alien organisms, as well as genetically modified organisms, will have to be balanced with the potential social, economic and environmental benefits derived there from. The potential risk to biodiversity and human health must be minimized through the regulation of the transfer, handling, use and release of genetically modified organisms. The potential risk will have to be comprehensively assessed.

Government will develop and support a national training and capacity building programme in risk assessment and risk management regarding genetically modified organisms.

Wetlands and estuarine areas represent some of our most threatened ecosystems. Biological resources must be conserved and used sustainably. Adverse impacts on freshwater systems are of critical concern given both the scarcity of and increased demand for water in the region. Careful and effective management of South Africa's marine and coastal areas are necessary. The entire hydrological cycle must be treated as an integrated unit.

Decision-making must avoid impacts, minimize risks and mitigate adverse effects where possible (Land-use planning and Environmental Assessment). Sustainable lifestyles must be adopted and awareness of the link between human population growth, resource consumption and biodiversity increased.

Plantation forests have an impact on the environment and must be developed and managed so as to conserve natural resources, especially soil and water (Principles to guide decisions affecting forests; National Forests Act).

Industrial effluent may not be disposed of in any manner other than that approved by the water services provider (Industrial use of water; Water Services Act). The Minister may prescribe compulsory national standards relating to, amongst others, the quality of water taken from or discharged into any water services or water resource system. The impact which the water services might have on the environment must be considered.

The environment must be protected against disturbance, deterioration, defacement, poisoning, pollution or destruction as a result of human interference (policy for environmental conservation; Environment Conservation Act). Activities, including waste and sewage disposal, were identified that have the possibility to have a detrimental effect on the environment. Littering is prohibited and containers or places indicated for such purpose may be used only to dump waste. (Environment Conservation Act, section 21)

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 . (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act )

The rehabilitation of defunct and derelict mines, which are a risk to the environment, public safety and human health, should be provided for by appropriate regulation (other views; A Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa).

During decision-making, a risk-averse and cautious approach must be adopted. Action to limit the risk is required where there is uncertainty (Government Policy; A Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa).