Department of Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan 2015-2020

2015-2020 I, Derek Hanekom, hereby publish in terms of Section 15(2)(b) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, the Environmental Implementation Plan of the Department as approved and adopted by the Sub -Committee on Environmental Implementation Plans and Environmental Management Plans. The En 'ronmental Implementation Plan is effective from the date of publication. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 57 Tourism, Department of/ Toerisme, Departement van DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM NOTICE 197 OF 2018 197 National Environmental Management Act, 1998: Publication of Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP): 2015–2020 41581 7.1 First Edition - Department of Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan 2015 - 2020 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 58 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 g p J g p p JY egy g p g p g g Y p Table of Content 1 INTRODUCTION 8 1.1 Back round 8 1.2 Pur ose of the EIP 8 1.3 Content of the EIP 8 1.4 2 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM VISION, MISSION, STRATEGIC 9 OBJECTIVES AND STRUCTURE 2.1 Vision, Mission and Mandate of the NDT 9 2.2 Organisational strategic outcome -oriented goals and strategic 10 ob'ectives 2.3 Structure and pro rammes of the NDT 11 3 DESCRIPTION OF NDT POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES 12 THAT MAY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT 3.1 White Pa er on Tourism Develo ment and Promotion in SA 1996 12 3.2 The Revised National Tourism Sector Stratec 2016 - 2026 13 3.3 National Heritaae and Culture Tourism Strat 2013 13 3.4 Domestic Tourism Growth Strateav 2012 13 3.5 National Rural Tourism Strate v 2012 14 3.6 Workin for Tourism Pro ramme 14 3.7 Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) 15 4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM POLICIES, PLANS, 15 PROGRAMMES ON THE ENVIRONMENT 4.1 De letion of Natural Resources 16 4.2 Water resources 16 4.3 Local resources 16 4.4 Land de radation 16 4.5 Pollution 17 4.6 Air ollution and noise 17 4.7 Solid waste and litterin 17 4.8 Sewa e 17 4.9 Aesthetic Pollution 18 4.10 Ph sical Im acts 18 5 MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM 18 POLICES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES 4 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 59 Definition of Key Terms Air pollution - the presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects. Climate Change - any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. Resource Efficiency - using the earth's limited resources in a sustainable manner while minimising impacts on the environment. Responsible Tourism - tourism management strategy in which the tourism sector and tourists take responsibility to protect and conserve the natural environment, respect and conserve local cultures and ways of life, and contribute to stronger local economies and a better quality of life for local people (SANS 1162:2011) Tourism - comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside of their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes (UNWTO). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 60 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 CO2 Carbon Dioxide DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIP Environmental Implementation Plan EPWP Expanded Public Works Programme GDP Gross Domestic Product GHG Greenhouse gases IEM Integrated Environmental Management IPAP Industrial Policy Action Plan NCPC -SA National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa NDP National Development Plan NDT National Department of Tourism NEMA National Environmental Management Act NGP New Growth Path NTSS National Tourism Sector Strategy SANS South African National Standards SMMES Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise Businesses SOs Organisational Strategic Objectives SRI Social Responsibility Implementation TIP Tourism Incentive Programme TREP Tourism Resource Efficiency Programme This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 61 List of Tables Table 2.1: Strategic Outcome - Orientated Goals and Strategic Objectives. 11 Table 5.1: Environmental impacts, objectives, timeframes and indicators for Programme 1 - Corporate Management 21 Table 5.2: Environmental impacts, objectives, timeframes and indicators for Programme 2 - Destination Development .22 Table 5.3: Environmental impacts, objectives, timeframes and indicators for Programme 3 - Tourism Research, Policy and International Relations ..23 Table 5.4: Environmental impacts, objectives, timeframes and indicators for Programme 4 Tourism Sector Support Services 24 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 62 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 1.1 Background The Department of Tourism is required in terms of Section 11(1) of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) to develop an Environmental Implementation Plan. Section 11(1) of the NEMA states that, "every national department listed in Schedule 1 as exercising functions which may affect the environment and every province must prepare an Environmental Implementation Plan within one year of the promulgation of the Act and at least every four years thereafter." The Department of Tourism and other departments listed in Schedule 1 of NEMA are required to develop EIPs because they carry out functions which may affect the environment. The Department of Tourism was included in Schedule 1 of the NEMA in 2014 through Government Notice 37401. In terms of the NEMA, departments that are required to produce EIPs must renew them every fourth year. The NDT has to date not developed any EIP. This is the first EIP of the NDT. 1.2 Purpose of the EIP In terms of Section 12 of the NEMA, the purpose and objects of environmental implementation plans is to co- ordinate and harmonise the environmental policies, plans, programmed and decisions of the various national departments that exercise functions that may affect the environment or are entrusted with powers and duties aimed at the achievement, promotion, and protection of a sustainable environment. EIPs are important in that they minimise the duplication of procedures and functions; and promote consistency in the exercise of functions that may affect the environment. Additionally, EIPs seeks to; (i) give effect to the principle of co- operative government in Chapter 3 of the Constitution; (ii) secure the protection of the environment across the country as a whole; and (iii) enable the Minister to monitor the achievement, promotion, and protection of a sustainable environment. 1.3 Content of the EIP In terms of section 13 of the NEMA, every EIP must contain the following: (i) a description of policies, plans and programmes that may significantly affect the environment; (ii) a description of the manner in which the relevant national department will ensure that its policies, plans and programmes will comply with the principles set out in section 2 of NEMA as well as any national norms and standards 8 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 63 as envisaged under section 146(2)(b)(i) of the Constitution and set out by the Minister; and (iii) Recommendations for the promotion of the objectives and plans for the implementation of the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) procedures and regulations referred to in Chapter 5 of NEMA. 1.4 Scope of Application The EIP applies to the tourism sector. In particular, it applies to the NDT, Provincial Departments responsible for tourism, provincial tourism authorities, local government departments responsible for tourism, tourism associations, tourism business, and tourists. 2. NDT Vision, Mission, Strategic Objectives and Structure 2.1 Vision, Mission and Mandate of the NDT The NDT was established as a stand - alone department after the 2009 national and provincial elections. It is previously part of the now defunct Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). The National Development Plan (NDP) recognises tourism as a key driver of employment, economic growth and the national transformation agenda. The NDP envisages an increase in economic participation by rural areas, and tourism was identified as one of the contributors to achieve this. The NDP also identified tourism and culture as critical to the overall economy and, most importantly, employment creation. Similarly, Government's New Growth Path (NGP) and Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) identified tourism as a labour- intensive sector with the potential to stimulate job creation and small businesses. The vision of the NDT is that of leading sustainable tourism development for inclusive economic growth in South Africa. Its mission is to grow an inclusive and sustainable tourism economy through: good corporate and cooperative governance; strategic partnerships and collaboration; innovation and knowledge management; and effective stakeholder communication. The NDT subscribe to the following values; innovation, high ethical standards, integrity, empowerment, and customer focus. The NDT derives its mandate from the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Part A of Schedule 4 to the Constitution lists tourism as a functional area of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence. Its specific legislative mandate emanates from the Tourism 9 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 64 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 Act No.3 of 2014. The purpose of the Tourism Act is to promote the practise of responsible tourism for the benefit of the Republic and for the enjoyment of all its residents and foreign visitors; to provide for the effective domestic and international marketing of South Africa as a tourist destination; promote quality tourism products and services; promote growth in and development of the tourism sector, and enhance cooperation and coordination between all spheres of government in developing and managing tourism. The NDT gets its policy mandate from the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is the 2030 vision for the country. It envisions rising employment, productivity and incomes as a way to ensure a long -term solution to achieve a reduction in inequality, an improvement in living standards and ensuring a dignified existence for all South Africans. The NDP recognises tourism as one of the main drivers of employment and economic growth. Additionally, the New Growth Path (NGP) includes tourism as one of the six pillars of economic growth. The specific policy mandates are derived from the revised National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and the 1996 White Paper on Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. The NTSS provides a blueprint for the tourism sector in the pursuit of growth targets contained in NGP. The White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa provides a framework and guidelines for tourism development and promotion in South Africa. The White Paper advocates that responsible tourism be the principle that governs tourism development and promotion. 2.2 Organisational strategic outcome -oriented goals and strategic objectives The NDT has the following strategic outcome - orientated goals; to achieve good corporate and cooperative governance and to increase the tourism sector's contribution to inclusive economic growth. The Department conducts its business in a manner that creates public confidence in the state. This requires excellent systems for the management of public resources, ridding the system of any inefficiency and enabling oversight by institutions of the state in the interest of the public. The Department is responsible to formulate a legal and regulatory framework for the sustainable development and management of tourism. Decisions in this regard are meant to govern the tourism sector to ensure that South Africa's approach to tourism development is in line with the principles of sustainability and responsible tourism. This requires the formulation of laws, regulations and policies for the sector to ensure a coherent approach to tourism development. It is also recognised that tourism growth depends on various other, contributing sectors. Therefore, a cooperative governance system must coordinate efforts to create coherence among all role -players. Tourism's contribution to the economy is measured by jobs created, contribution to GDP, and revenue generated from tourism activity. Furthermore, as a services export sector, tourism is a significant earner of foreign currency. In the South African context, 10 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 65 g P g g g 1 P Y 9P g Y g P 1 this growth should be underpinned by the principle of inclusivity to drive tourism -sector transformation. An increase in tourism's economic contribution is driven by an increase in domestic and international tourist arrivals as well as an increase in tourist spend. Along with its partners, the Department must create an environment conducive to this increase by ensuring a quality and diverse tourism offering as well as by developing sector capacity. The table below indicates the strategic objectives of the NDT in the context of the strategic outcome orientated goal they seek to influence: Strategic outcome oriented oal Achieve good corporate and cooperative governance. Increase the tourism sector's contribution to inclusive economic growth. Organisational strategic objectives (SOs) To ensure economic, efficient and effective use of de artmental resources To enhance understanding and awareness of the value of tourism and its opportunities. To create an enabling legislative and regulatory environment for tourism development and growth. To contribute to economic transformation in South Africa To provide knowledge services to inform policy, planning and decision makin To enhance re ional tourism inte ration To accelerate the transformation of the tourism sector To facilitate the development and growth of tourism enterprises to contribute to inclusive economic growth and 'ob creation. To facilitate tourism ca acit -buildin ro rammes. To diversif and enhance tourism offerin s To reduce barriers to tourism growth to enhance tourism competitiveness. To enhance regional tourism integration To create employment opportunities by implementing tourism ro'ects Table 2.1: Strategic Outcome - Orientated Goals and Strategic Objectives Source: NDT Strategic Plan 2015/16 - 2019/20 2.3 Structure and programmes of the NDT The Executive Authority of the NDT is vested on the Minister. The Director - General is the administrative head and Accounting Officer of the NDT. The NDT has four branches or programmes. The programmes are headed by Deputy Directors General who report to the Accounting Officer or the Director General. 11 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 66 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 The programmes are further divided into sub - programmes that are led by Chief Directors and Directors. The programmes and their short description are provided below: Programme 1 (Corporate Management) To provide strategic leadership, management and support services to management. Programme 2 (Tourism Research, Policy and International Relations) - To plan for and monitor the tourism sector performance with enabling stakeholder relations and policy environment. Programme 3 (Destination Development) - To facilitate and co- ordinate destination development through destination planning, tourism product, experience and infrastructure development, investment promotion and the provision of tourism programmes including incentives and working for tourism that support host communities to deliver quality experiences for visitors and enhance residents wellbeing. Programme 4 (Tourism Sector Support Services) - To enhance transformation of the sector and tourism services through people development, enterprise support and service excellence in order to ensure South Africa is a competitive tourism destination. 3. Description of NDT Policies, Plans and Programmes that may affect the Environment The NDT has a number of policies, plans and programmes that may affect the environment. A description of the major policies, plans and programmes that may affect the environment is provided below: 3.1. White Paper on Tourism Development and Promotion in SA, 1996 The vision of the White Paper is to develop the tourism sector as a national priority in a sustainable and acceptable manner, so that it will contribute significantly to the improvement of the quality of life of every South African. It has the following objectives; to generate economic growth and foreign exchange, by aggressively developing and promoting tourism, to establish tourism as a national priority, to create sustainable employment opportunities and contribute to the well -being of all the people of South Africa, to optimise opportunities for SMME's, specifically emerging entrepreneurs, to use tourism to aid the development of rural communities, to promote domestic tourism amongst all South Africans, to encourage tourism growth and cooperation in Southern Africa, to facilitate balanced tourism development in South Africa, to create a conducive tourism investment climate, to encourage linkages between tourism and other industries in order to curb leakages and stimulate the multiplier effect, and to lengthen the tourism season in order to minimise the negative effects of seasonality on the industry 12 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 67 3.2. The Revised National Tourism Sector Strategy, 2016 - 2026 The first National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) for South Africa was published in 2011 as a ten -year Strategy, with targets from 2010 to 2020. It has recently been the subject of a review to determine what adjustments, if any, need to be made given the changing domestic and international environment and in light of lessons learned from the implementation process. The revised NTSS covers the period 2016 to 2026. The review has taken into account the emergence of important trends in global markets, as well as South Africa's competitive strengths and weaknesses. An essential part of the exercise was an assessment of the potential and the identification of pathways for the South African tourism economy to play an enhanced role in the growth of the overall economy. The process has culminated in a second iteration of the NTSS. The vision of the NTSS is to make destination South Africa a top world responsible tourism destination through "rapidly and inclusively growing tourism economy that leverages South Africa's competitive edge in nature, culture, and heritage, underpinned by Ubuntu and supported by innovation and service excellence. " -. focuses on inclusive growth, which must fundamentally be based on domestic and international tourist market growth and expenditure increases. The main objectives of the NTSS are to grow the tourism sector's absolute contribution to the economic growth and employment. 3.3. National Heritage and Culture Tourism Strategy, 2013 Informed by the White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa (1996) and the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) (2011), the National Strategy on Heritage and Cultural Tourism serves to guide and provide strategic direction for the development and promotion of heritage and cultural tourism in South Africa. The strategy provides a framework for the coordination and integration of heritage and culture into the mainstream of tourism. The objectives of the strategy are to provide strategic guidance to support the integration and coordination of heritage and cultural resources into mainstream tourism for product development and sustainable tourism; to utilise heritage and cultural tourism products, through strategic partnerships and the participation of local communities, to stimulate sustainable livelihoods at community grass -roots levels; to provide an opportunity to raise awareness, increase education and profile the conservation needs of heritage and cultural resources for sustainable tourism which is in line with values of respect for culture and heritage as stated in the NTSS (2011); and to provide an opportunity for the diversification of tourism products and the formalisation of the segment or niche of heritage and cultural tourism, towards contributing to the growth of tourism as outlined in the objectives of the NTSS (2011). 3.4. Domestic Tourism Growth Strategy, 2012 South Africa's National Domestic Tourism Growth Strategy provides for the enhanced focus on domestic tourism by the sector. A Steering Committee was put in place to 13 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 68 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 oversee the development of the strategy, representing all stakeholders and in some cases consultation and written inputs were sourced. The overall strategy development process took eight months. The development of the domestic portfolio is as important as that of the international portfolio for the growth of tourism in South African. Domestic tourism is an essential contributor to the growth of the tourism economy and provides a foundation for sustainable tourism growth and development, more especially in times of global uncertainties. The majority of adult South Africans have not had an opportunity to undertake holiday trip within the country, for various reasons. This resulted in the current lack of a travel culture amongst most South Africans (particularly amongst black Africans), with the percentage of adult South Africans that travel still at 44% of the total adult population. The sector Vision for Domestic Tourism is to `grow domestic tourism for a sustainable tourism economy' with the main objectives being to: increase domestic tourism expenditure (revenue); increase domestic tourism volume; enhance measures and efforts aimed at addressing seasonality and equitable geographical spread; and enhance the level of the culture of tourism /travel among South Africans. 3.5 National Rural Tourism Strategy, 2012 The National Department of Tourism (NDT) has developed a National Rural Tourism Strategy, meant to ensure a developmental approach upon packaging rural tourism products and opportunities in South Africa. This approach is also meant to prioritise spatial nodes which have a growth potential in order to stimulate growth of the tourism industry in South Africa. The White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa (DEAT 1996) contends that prime tourism attractions are not located in the city centres but rather in rural areas. The strategy aims to address the following objectives: to create a platform to share knowledge of best practice, development opportunities and challenges in rural areas for tourism development; to facilitate the coordination of rural tourism development initiatives amongst relevant stakeholders; to create an enabling environment for rural tourism development to stimulate job creation; To identify and recommend strategic areas /nodes for tourism development in rural areas within the sector; and to guide strategy development within key documentation generated for tourism development and management in South Africa. 3.6 Working for Tourism Programme The Working for Tourism Programme, is the job creation or the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) of the Department of Tourism. It is a targeted grant, aimed at supporting the development of community based tourism, thereby stimulating job creation, sector transformation, economic empowerment, community benefit and geographic spread of tourism investment. The high level of unemployment in South Africa makes job creation a crucial challenge. However, job creation without skills development and training does not lend itself to sustainable employment. Training is a crucial element of all Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Working for Tourism Programme projects of the Department of Tourism (NDT). 14 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 69 The Working for Tourism programme aims to: Stimulate employment creation in the tourism sector Youth development and empowerment Encourage the geographical spread of tourism products with a bias towards rural areas Promote sector transformation The Department is responsible for identifying and sourcing appropriate EPWP tourism projects in consultation with the national, provincial and local tourism stakeholders. Although the department will endeavour to consult with the other spheres of government, the final decision on which projects to fund remains the responsibility of the department. All proposals must be submitted via the relevant provincial department tasked with tourism. 3.7 Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) The Tourism Act (Act 3 of 2014) provides for the National Department of Tourism (NDT) to introduce initiatives, programmes and mechanisms to develop and grow the tourism sector. The Tourism Incentive Programme aims to stimulate tourism development that is sustainable, inclusive and improves the competiveness of our destination and the entire tourism sector The Tourism Incentive Programme has four aims: To drive sales and grow the customer base of small tourism establishments by providing them with better access to tourism buyers and potential guests. To promote compliance with quality standards and ensure that tourists know what to expect by helping establishments to get graded. To enhance the experience of visitors to iconic tourism attractions by improving facilities at these sites. To reduce the operating costs and make tourism facilities more sustainable by installing renewable energy sources. 4. Potential impacts of Tourism Policies, Plans, Programmes on the Environment The central aim of all the policies and plans described in the preceding section is to grow the tourism sector and its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. Poorly planned tourism development results in negative impacts from when the level of visitor use is greater than the environment's ability to cope with this use within the acceptable limits of change. Uncontrolled conventional tourism poses potential threats to many natural areas around the world. It can put enormous pressure 15 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 70 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 on an area and lead to impacts such as soil erosion, increased pollution, discharges into the sea, natural habitat loss, depletion of natural resources, increased pressure on endangered species and heightened vulnerability to forest fires. It often puts a strain on water resources, and it can force local populations to compete for the use of critical resources. A discussion of some of the environmental challenges associated with tourism follows below: 4.1. Depletion of Natural Resources Tourism development can put pressure on natural resources when it increases consumption in areas where resources are already scarce. 4.2. Water resources Water, and especially fresh water, is one of the most critical natural resources. The tourism industry generally overuses water resources for hotels, swimming pools, golf courses and personal use of water by tourists. This can result in water shortages and degradation of water supplies, as well as generating a greater volume of waste water. 4.3 Local resources Tourism can create great pressure on local resources like energy, food, and other raw materials that may already be in short supply. Greater extraction and transport of these resources exacerbates the physical impacts associated with their exploitation. Because of the seasonal character of the industry, many destinations have ten times more inhabitants in the high season as in the low season. A high demand is placed upon these resources to meet the high expectations tourists often have (proper heating, hot water, etc.). 4.4 Land degradation Important land resources include minerals, fossil fuels, fertile soil, forests, wetland and wildlife. Increased construction of tourism and recreational facilities has increased the pressure on these resources and on scenic landscapes. Direct impact on natural resources, both renewable and non -renewable, in the provision of tourist facilities can be caused by the use of land for accommodation and other infrastructure provision, and the use of building materials. Forests often suffer negative impacts of tourism in the form of deforestation caused by fuel wood collection and land clearing. For example, one trekking tourist in Nepal - and area already suffering the effects of deforestation can use four to five kilograms of wood a day This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 71 4.5 Pollution Tourism can cause the same forms of pollution as any other industry: air emissions, noise, solid waste and littering, releases of sewage, oil and chemicals, even architectural /visual pollution. 4.6 Air and Noise Pollution Transport by air, road, and rail is continuously increasing in response to the rising number of tourists and their greater mobility. One consequence of this increase in air transport is that tourism now accounts for more than 60% of air travel and is therefore responsible for an important share of air emissions. Transport emissions and emissions from energy production and use are linked to acid rain, global warming and photochemical pollution. Air pollution from tourist transportation has impacts on the global level, especially from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to transportation energy use. And it can contribute to severe local air pollution. Some of these impacts are quite specific to tourist activities. For example, especially in very hot or cold countries, tour buses often leave their motors running for hours while the tourists go out for an excursion because they want to return to a comfortably air -conditioned bus. Noise pollution from airplanes, cars, and buses, as well as recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles and jet skis, is an ever -growing problem of modern life. In addition to causing annoyance, stress, and even hearing loss for humans, it causes distress to wildlife, especially in sensitive areas. For instance, noise generated by snowmobiles can cause animals to alter their natural activity patterns. 4.7 Solid waste and littering In areas with high concentrations of tourist activities and appealing natural attractions, waste disposal is a serious problem and improper disposal can be a major despoiler of the natural environment - rivers, scenic areas, and roadsides. In mountain areas, trekking tourists generate a great deal of waste. Tourists on expedition leave behind their garbage, oxygen cylinders and even camping equipment. Such practices degrade the environment with all the detritus typical of the developed world, in remote 4.8 Sewage Construction of hotels, recreation and other facilities often leads to increased sewage pollution. Wastewater has polluted seas and lakes surrounding tourist attractions, damaging the flora and fauna. Sewage runoff causes serious damage to coral reefs because it stimulates the growth of algae, which cover the filter- feeding corals, hindering their ability to survive. Changes in salinity and siltation can have wide ranging impacts on coastal environments. And sewage pollution can threaten the health of humans and animals. 17 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 72 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 4.9 Aesthetic Pollution Often tourism fails to integrate its structures with the natural features and indigenous architectural of the destination. Large, dominating resorts of disparate design can look out of place in any natural environment and may clash with the indigenous structural design. A lack of land -use planning and building regulations in many destinations has facilitated sprawling developments along coastlines, valleys and scenic routes. The sprawl includes tourism facilities themselves and supporting infrastructure such as roads, employee housing, parking, service areas, and waste disposal. 4.10 Physical Impacts Attractive landscape sites, such as sandy beaches, lakes, riversides, and mountain tops and slopes, are often transitional zones, characterized by species -rich ecosystems. Typical physical impacts include the degradation of such ecosystems. An ecosystem is a geographic area including all the living organisms (people, plants, animals, and microorganisms), their physical surroundings (such as soil, water, and air), and the natural cycles that sustain them. The ecosystems most threatened with degradation are ecologically fragile areas such as alpine regions, rain forests, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs and sea grass beds. The threats to and pressures on these ecosystems are often severe because such places are very attractive to both tourists and developers. 5. Managing the environmental Impacts of Tourism Policies, Plans and Programmes The White Paper on Tourism Development and Promotion in South Africa proposes Responsible Tourism as the key guiding principle for tourism development. Responsible tourism implies a proactive approach by tourism industry partners to develop, market and manage the tourism industry in a responsible manner, so as to create a competitive advantage. Responsible tourism implies tourism industry responsibility to the environment through the promotion of balanced and sustainable tourism and focus on the development of environmentally based tourism activities (e.g. game- viewing and diving). Responsible tourism means responsibility of government and business to involve the local communities that are in close proximity to the tourism plant and attractions through the development of meaningful economic linkages (e.g. the supply of agricultural produce to the lodges, out -sourcing of laundry, etc.). It implies the responsibility to respect, invest in and develop local cultures and protect them from over -commercialisation and over -exploitation. It also implies the responsibility of local communities to become actively involved in the tourism industry, to practice sustainable development and to ensure the safety and security of the visitors. 18 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 73 Responsibility to visitors through ensuring their safety, security and health is another consequence of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism also implies the responsibility of both employers and employees in the tourism industry both to each other as well as to the customer. Responsible trade union practices and responsible employment practices will be the hallmarks of the new tourism in South Africa. Responsible tourism also implies responsible government as well as responsibility on the part of the tourists themselves to observe the norms and practices of South Africa, particularly with respect to the environment and culture of the country. The key elements of responsible tourism are: Avoid waste and over -consumption Use local resources sustainably Maintain and encourage natural, economic, social and cultural diversity Be sensitive to the host culture Involve the local community in planning and decision -making Assess environmental, social and economic impacts as a prerequisite to developing tourism Ensure communities are involved in and benefit from tourism Market tourism that is responsible, respecting local, natural and cultural environments Monitor impacts of tourism and ensure open disclosure of information. A number of measures have been implemented by the NDT in order to address the impacts of tourism on the environment. The NDT has a responsible tourism programme aimed at promoting the implementation of best practices in responsible tourism in the tourism sector. The tourism greening and climate change is a sub programme of the responsible tourism programme. Its main objective is to ensure that tourism grow in an environmentally sustainable manner and that the sector is able to respond to environmental constraints such as climate change. A number of measures have been implemented to ensure that tourism growth has a minimum impact on the environment. Environmental management in the tourism sector is guided by the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162:2011). The SANS 1162 has a section with environmental criteria that a tourism business must meet in order to be certified as being green. The criteria cover all important elements of environmental management including; biodiversity conservation, air quality management, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and waste management. The SANS 1162 create a framework for environmental management in the tourism sector. It follows then that all the plans and projects on tourism growth and development should be aligned to the requirements of the standard. The tables below indicate the environmental measures taken or planned to address specific elements of tourism growth and development plans and projects: 19 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 74 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 In addressing the environmental impacts associated with the implementation of tourism policies, programmes and plans, the following indicators will be pursued: 1 Reduction in the environmental impact associated with tourism business operations; 2. Full compliance with relevant environmental legislation; 3. Responsible tourism practices implemented; and 4. Green skills in tourism promoted. The plans contained in the EIP have the main objective of achieving the indicators listed above. The EIP has been clustered in terms of the strategic organizational structure of the national department. Although the EIP takes the approach of a sectorial plan, clustering the plan in line with the strategic organizational design of the lead department in the sector ensures that there is better coordination of implementation, monitoring and reporting. The following tables provides the content of the NDT's EIP This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 75 >, a Q. T a b le 5 .1 : E n vi ro n m e n ta l i m p a ct s, o b je ct iv e s, t im e fr a m e s a n d in d ic a to rs f o r P ro g ra m m e 1 C o rp o ra te M a n a g e m e n t S u b p ro g ra m m e / P o te n tia l E n vi ro n m e n ta l O b je ct iv e R e sp o n si b ili t Y 2 0 1 5 /1 6 2 0 1 6 /1 7 2 0 1 7 /1 8 2 0 1 8 /1 9 2 0 1 9 /2 0 P ro 'e ct Im a ct E n e rg y a n d O ve r R e d u ce t h e T o u ri sm R e tr o fit a n d in st a ll In st a ll e n e rg y M o n ito r A ss e ss M o n ito r th e B u ild in g co n su m p tio n o f u se o f C o rp o ra te e n e rg y e ff ic ie n t e ff ic ie n t p e rf o rm a n e ff e ct iv e n e s p e rf o rm a n c e n e rg y /D e p le tio n e n e rg y in S e rv ic e s sy st e m s sy st e m s ce a n d s o f th e e o f th e n e w o f n a tu ra l re so u rc e s th e d e p a rt m e n t m a in ta in in st a lle d sy st e m sy st e m s R e p la ce in e ff e ct iv e s st e m s sy st e m s O ve r R e d u ce T o u ri sm In st a ll w a te r In st a ll w a te r M o n ito r A ss e ss M o n ito r th e co n su m p tio n o f w a te r C o rp o ra te sa vi n g e q u ip m e n t sa vi n g a n d e ff e ct iv e n e s p e rf o rm a n c w a te r /d e p le tio n o f co n su m p tio S e rv ic e s a u to m a te d e q u ip m e n t m a in ta in s o f th e e o f th e n e w n a tu ra l r e so u rc e s n u ri n a ls in st a lle d e q u ip m e n t sy st e m s a n d re p la ce in e ff e ct iv e s st e m s sy st e m s B u si n e ss A ir p o llu tio n R e d u ce C o rp o ra te L im it P ro m o te E n co u ra g e In ve st in f u e l Im p le m e n t a T ra ve l C lim a te ch a n g e tr a ve l S e rv ic e s u n n e ce ss a ry te le co n fe re n ci g ro u p e ff ic ie n t ca rb o n th ro u g h G H G e m is si o n s tr a ve l a n d n u m b e r o f tr a ve lle rs to sa m e e ve n t n g tr a ve l d e p a rt m e n t a l v e h ic le s o ff se t p ro g ra m m e 21 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 76 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 T a b le 5 .2 : E n vi ro n m e n ta l i m p a ct s, o b je ct iv e s, t im e fr a m e s a n d in d ic a to rs f o r P ro g ra m m e 2 D e st in a tio n D e ve lo p m e n t S u b p ro g ra m m e /P ro je ct In ve st m e n t in to u ri sm in fr a st ru ct u re R o u te d e ve lo p m e n t P o te n tia l E n vi ro n m e n ta l Im p a ct L a n d d e g ra d a tio n a n d b io d iv e rs ity lo ss L a n d d e g ra d a tio n , b io d iv e rs ity lo ss a n d p o llu tio n O b je ct iv e R e d u ce la n d d e g ra d a tio n a n d b io d iv e rs ity lo ss R e d u ce la n d d e g ra d a tio n , b io d iv e rs ity lo ss a n d p o llu tio n R e sp o n si b ili ty D e st in a tio n D e ve lo p m e n t T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t D e st in a tio n D e ve lo p m e n t D e st in a tio n D e ve lo p m e n t T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t 2 0 1 5 /1 6 P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 22 2 0 1 6 /1 7 P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 7 /1 8 P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 8 /1 9 P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 9 /2 0 P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s P ro je ct 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 77 T a b le 5 .3 : E n vi ro n m e n ta l i m p a ct s, o b je ct iv e s, t im e fr a m e s a n d in d ic a to rs f o r P ro g ra m m e 3 T o u ri sm R e se a rc h , P o lic y a n d In te rn a tio n a l R e la tio n s S u b P o te n tia l p ro g ra m m e / E n vi ro n m e n ta P ro je ct I Im p a ct In cr e a se d A ir p o llu tio n n u m b e r o f th ro u g h a ir in te rn a tio n a l tr a ve l, cl im a te to u ri st s ch a n g e , a n d o ve r co n su m p tio n o f n a tu ra l re so u rc e s A lig n p o lic ie s, N e g a tiv e st ra te g ie s e n vi ro n m e n ta l a n d p la n s to im p a ct s a s a e n vi ro n m e n ta re su lt o f n o n co m p lia n ce m a n a g e m e n t le g is la tio n a n d p o lic y O b je ct iv e R e d u ce to u ri sm r e la te d a ir p o llu tio n a n d p ro m o te re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy R e d u ce e n vi ro n m e n ta l ri sk a n d n o n co m p lia n ce R e sp o n si b ili ty T o u ri sm R e se a rc h , P o lic y a n d I n te rn a tio n a l R e la tio n s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t T o u ri sm R e se a rc h , P o lic y a n d I n te rn a tio n a l R e la tio n s P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t 2 0 1 5 /1 6 Im p le m e n t a ca rb o n o ff se t p ro g ra m m e T o u ri sm p o lic ie s a n d p la n s a lig n e d to e n vi ro n m e n t a l l e g is la tio n a n d p o lic ie s 2 0 1 6 /1 7 P ro m o te th e u se o f fu e l e ff ic ie n t te ch n o lo g i e s in a ir cr a ft s T o u ri sm p o lic ie s a n d p la n s a lig n e d t o e n vi ro n m e n ta l le g is la tio n a n d p o lic ie s 2 0 1 7 /1 8 E n co u ra g e th e h o sp ita lit y se ct o r to im p le m e n t re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy m e a su re s T o u ri sm p o lic ie s a n d p la n s a lig n e d t o e n vi ro n m e n ta l le g is la tio n a n d p o lic ie s 2 0 1 8 /1 9 P ro vi d e w o rk sh o p s o n re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy a n d ra is e to u ri sm a w a re n e ss o n w a te r a n d e n e rg y sa vi n g s T o u ri sm p o lic ie s a n d p la n s a lig n e d to e n vi ro n m e n ta l le g is la tio n a n d p o lic ie s 2 0 1 9 /2 0 P ro vi d e w o rk sh o p s o n re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy a n d ra is e to u ri sm a w a re n e ss o n w a te r a n d e n e rg y sa vi n g s T o u ri sm p o lic ie s a n d p la n s a lig n e d to e n vi ro n m e n ta l le g is la tio n a n d p o lic ie s 23 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 78 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 T a b le 5 .4 : E n vi ro n m e n ta l i m p a ct s, o b je ct iv e s, t im e fr a m e s a n d in d ic a to rs f o r P ro g ra m m e 4 T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s S u b p ro g ra m m e /P ro je ct Im p le m e n ta tio n o f ca p ita l p ro je ct s P o te n tia l E n vi ro n m e n ta l Im p a ct L a n d d e g ra d a tio n a n d b io d iv e rs ity lo ss O b je ct iv e R e d u ce la n d d e g ra d a tio n a n d b io d iv e rs ity lo ss R e sp o n si b ili ty T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs 2 0 1 5 /1 6 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 6 /1 7 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 7 /1 8 1 0 0 % co m p lia n ce w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 8 /1 9 1 0 0 % co m p lia n c e w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s 2 0 1 9 /2 0 1 0 0 % co m p lia n c e w ith E IA in a ll p ro je ct s In cr e a se d A ir p o llu tio n a n d d o m e st ic t ra ve l cl im a te c h a n g e R e d u ce a ir p o llu tio n a n d re so u rc e u se P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l g o ve rn m e n t P ro m o te re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy in t h e to u ri sm s e ct o r 2 4 P ro m o te re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy in th e to u ri sm se ct o r E n g a g e se ct o r st a ke h o ld e rs su ch a s ca r re n ta l a n d h o te ls o n e n e rg y e ff ic ie n cy E n co u ra g e g ro u p tr a ve l a n d in ce n tiv e re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy in th e to u ri sm se ct o r P ro m o te re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy in th e to u ri sm se ct o r This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 79 m P ro m o tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e to u ri sm E n e rg y In ce n tiv e T ra in Y o u th & S M M E s o n R e so u rc e E ff ic ie n cy in T o u ri sm D e g ra d a tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e P re se rv a tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e s D e p le tio n o f E n e rg y n a tu ra l re so u rc e s a n d cl im a te c h a n g e In e ff ic ie n t u se o f re so u rc e s in to u ri sm co n se rv a tio n E n vi ro n m e n ta l e ff ic ie n cy in to u ri sm T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l o ve rn m e n t T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l o ve rn m e n t T o u ri sm S e ct o r S u p p o rt S e rv ic e s T o u ri sm O p e ra to rs P ro vi n ci a l a n d lo ca l o ve rn m e n t P ro m o te th e p re se rv a tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e s D e ve lo p th e to u ri sm e n e rg y in ce n tiv e D e ve lo p T o u ri sm R e so u rc e E ff ic ie n cy P ro g ra m m e 25 H o ld w o rk sh o p s a n d ca p a ci ty b u ild in g se ss io n s o n th e v a lu e o f cu ltu re a n d h e ri ta g e in to u ri sm D e ve lo p th e to u ri sm e n e rg y in ce n tiv e a D e ve lo p T o u ri sm R e so u rc e E ff ic ie n cy T ra in in g P ro g ra m m e P ro m o te th e p re se rv a tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e s Im p le m e n t th e to u ri sm e n e rg y in ce n tiv e a T ra in n u m b e r o f to u ri sm le a rn e rs o n re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy E n co u ra g e st a ke h o ld e rs to im p le m e n t m e a su re s to p re se rv e cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e s Im p le m e n t th e t o u ri sm e n e rg y in ce n tiv e T ra in n u m b e r o f to u ri sm le a rn e rs o n re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy P ro m o te th e p re se rv a tio n o f cu ltu ra l a n d h e ri ta g e re so u rc e s Im p le m e n t th e t o u ri sm e n e rg y in ce n tiv e T ra in n u m b e r o f to u ri sm le a rn e rs o n re so u rc e e ff ic ie n cy This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 80 No. 41581 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2018 Department of Tourism Private Bag X424 Pretoria 0001 ENQUIRIES: Mr N Makamu Telephone: 012 4446510 By email: nmakamu @tourism.gov.za This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 20 APRIL 2018 No. 41581 81