| dc.description.abstract | Estuaries are highly productive types of ecosystems worldwide and of considerable
value, yet are some of the most degraded systems on earth. South African estuaries are
widely distributed across the State and cover a diversity of geomorphological types. In
South Africa, a number of studies have shown that estuaries contribute significantly to
the local and national economy. International law has put measures and principles in
place to protect estuaries; and South Africa has adopted those measures and principles.
The country already has legal instruments to protect estuaries, which include the
National Environmental Management Integrated Coastal Management Act. Several
challenges pertaining to estuary management in South Africa remain as degradation
continues. Few estuaries are regarded as near pristine and the vast majority are
vulnerable to a range of threats influencing terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems.
The greatest threat facing estuaries globally is human behaviour. There is less planning
done to protect estuaries; the focus is on economic development opportunities and
approval procedures, such as, port and related facilities, public facilities, mariculture and
aquaculture, tourism, leisure and recreation, and lastly, mining among them. Emphasis
in this priority area is on local economic development. However, co-operative
governance is required to assist in estuarine management and protection to promote
sustainable coastal development. | |
