9 LEDETS Mandate

LEDET’s mandate as articulated in their strategic development plan already captures many of the MTC arguments discussed above, especially those relating to human well-being. Below we have extracted statements from the LEDET Strategic Development Plan and linked them to the MTC thematic categories to demonstrate how many MTC arguments are already present in LEDETS interpretation of their mandate. There is room for growth in the LEDET Strategic Development Plan to better utilise the full range of MTC arguments that support LEDET’s vision. During the next cycle of strategic planning review we strong recommend that the MTC arguments present here especially the framework within which they are presented be incorporated more explicitly into the Strategic Development Plan:

MTC Thematic Area Statement from LEDET Strategic Plan

Intrinsic Value of Biodiversity ”Limpopo is rich in biodiversity and has various centres of endemism which are currently under pressure. The development of a conservation plan and environmental management frameworks therefore received attention with the aim to guide future development planning in these areas.” Ecological Goods & Services “The Environment provides us with a range of goods and services that are essential for human survival, well-being, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity. Human activities are, however, having significant impacts on the environment.”

Integrated Development Planning “Challenges like climate change, the lack of integrated planning and development, lack of proper pollution and waste management, and the unlawful trade in/and poaching of our wildlife puts tremendous pressure on our natural resources. It is therefore critical for Limpopo to integrate environmentally responsible actions and programmes into the provincial planning and development agenda.”

Economic Growth & Job Creation

“The wildlife industry in Limpopo is a major employer and a major economic sector for the province. It must be closely regulated to ensure standards are upheld and that the industry transforms in order to avoid International embarrassment and indeed the collapse of the sector.” International Significance “The third UNESCO registered biosphere reserve for the province, Vhembe Biosphere reserve, has been launched and gives our province an added opportunity to rope in all affected and interested parties in the collaborative management of our natural resources.”

Service Delivery & Revenue Generation “Development applications for environmental authorizations were received worth in access of R5 billion; 14 144 wildlife permits were issued; and, 1013 environmental related complaints received were dealt with.”

Educational Value “Environmental awareness and education is therefore seen as an important programme within the environment sector. In Limpopo environmental education, awareness and capacity building programmes are implemented at schools, municipalities and targeted community groups 426 schools through the Schools State of Environment Report, Limpopo Enviro Explorer Youth programme and the Eco-schools programme were reached.”

Local Government “All the provincial local municipalities are now taking part in the Green Municipality Competition which contributes to the Greening Limpopo programme. To further enhance the green agenda, a Climate Change strategy, Green Economy strategy and implementation plan was developed to ensure the lowering of the carbon footprint in Limpopo.”

Water Security “The province has limited surface and ground water resources. Most of the water management areas are severely stressed and many people still do not have access to the accepted minimum supply of water. Large parts of the province rely on ground water as a source of supply. Water requirements for development (especially agriculture, mining and rural areas) are placing severe stress on the