Will the project create jobs?
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
From the analysis of the data, it is evident that any development of this nature must focus on sustainable development principles. The concerns raised by the stakeholders mainly relate to the potential negative impacts on the environment. The impact on the quality of water is seen as a real concern considering that the Karoo is a water scarce area and the proposed project will use a lot of water. Although the project may provide benefits to South Africa in terms of supplying additional energy source, the proposed project must be assessed in a holistic manner. The focus of the assessment should not follow the traditional scientific view focused on economic growth and science and technology, but must take into consideration of sustainability, integration and holism (Allison and Hobbs, 2006: 2-7; 93).
There is therefore a need to embrace complexity in understanding economic development that takes into consideration the significance of networks of multiple and sometimes conflicting factors all of which contribute in large or small measure to the overall picture (Milne and Ateljevic, 2001: 369-370).
The findings of the research suggest that the project should be evaluated taking the themes of social, environment and economic aspects of sustainable development into account. The table below illustrates the criteria that can be used in assessing a project of this nature, through integrating the themes that emerged from the research findings. As discussed previously, focusing on sustainable development principles is emphasised. One of the important criteria of a sustainable development project is that it must contribute positively to the society, through contributing to social equity and poverty alleviation. Questions which should be asked when assessing the project are what number of employment opportunities will be created; what types of jobs will be created and the potential groups of people who will be employed (Brent et al, 2005: 635). It is also important that public participation is emphasised to ensure that the public is informed and is involved in the project. When the environmental criteria is taken into consideration, there is a need to concentrate on the impact the proposed project will have on human health, water availability and loss of biodiversity (Brent et al, 2005: 636). What economic benefits at local and national level will be created from the project also need to be understood as this has
links towards achieving other goals relating to employment and poverty eradication in terms of improving economic conditions of the society, and contributing to national economic growth (Brent et al, 2005: 637).
Environmental
Biodiversity
Air quality
Water quality
Economic
Employment generation
Contribution to GDP
Social
Employment opportunities
Poverty reduction
Stakeholder involvement
Capacity development
Adapted from Brent et al, 2005: 632
Table 2: Assessment Criteria for Development Projects
Suggestions for a sustainable land use option in the Karoo are to focus on preserving the biodiversity of the area, with a focus on sustainable resource use. This is to ensure that there is a balance between the costs and benefits. Considering that a moratorium has been placed on the application, and similar applications, it is important that during this period of evaluation by the Government, there must be consideration of the fears and concerns that
Sustainable development evaluation criteria
the public have. During the evaluation stage, there must be an extensive consultation with all stakeholders so that the outcomes of the assessment are inclusive. It is important that the proposed project does not have a negative impact on the society and the environment.
The highest concern raised by the public is that of water, since this is a highly important aspect of their livelihood. Assessors of this project should look at the possible impact on water resources. Experiences from other countries where similar projects are taking place must be researched, along the themes of social, economic and environmental sectors. This will ensure that the government gets a clear understanding of the extent and impact of exploration so that a sound decision is made.
The research study has revealed that there is a definite conflict between the need for economic development and the necessity for environmental conservation as a result of the proposed exploration activities in the South Western Karoo Basin. It is alleged that the benefits of the project is economic growth at a local and national level, however it has been met with a great deal of opposition from local communities and other individuals across the country. The main objections and concerns raised, as evidenced from the data collected, is that the proposed project will have a negative impact on the social and natural environment. As a result, it does not meet the requirements of sustainable development as the social and environmental costs would outweigh the economic benefits.
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APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaire
Name Title
Age Race
Karoo resident Yes No
1. Were you consulted by Shell Exploration Company BV with regards to the proposed exploration project during the public participation phase?
Yes No
2. Did you comment on the application during the public participation phase?
Yes No
3. Have you read the draft Environmental Management Plan submitted in support of the application?
Yes No
4. What are your concerns with the proposed exploration activities by Shell?
5. Have your concerns been addressed in the draft Environmental Management Plan compiled for the proposed activity?
Yes No
6. If no, what environmental issues need further assessment by the project proponent (Shell Exploration Company) and included in the final Environmental Management Plan?
7. Would the biodiversity of the Karoo be affected by the proposed activities?
Yes No
8. There are concerns that the Karoo water supply will not be able to sustain the proposed activities. Do you agree?
Yes No
9. The draft EMP states that a number of jobs will be created with consequent benefits to the Karoo region. Do you agree with this statement?
Yes No
10. If yes, please elaborate.
11. If no, please elaborate.
12. From your perspective, would a gas exploration project be a good development option for the Karoo region?
Please give reasons.
13. In your opinion, does the proposed project meet the objectives of sustainable development?
14. What would be a viable sustainable development option for the Karoo region?
15. The Minister of Mineral Resources has put a moratorium on gas exploration activities in South Africa. What should the assessors of this project take into consideration when assessing gas exploration activities?
Thank you for the time spent completing this questionnaire