The conflict between coastal environmental protection and development in the Rooi-Els-Bot River estuary area

Abstract

The conflict between coastal environmental protection and development in the Rooi-Els-Bot River estuary area has come under renewed attention after the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning recently announced his intention to declare this area a “nature area”. However, no clear guidance has yet been given by the government on how this conflict can be resolved. In this article the above-mentioned area is used as an example to investigate these problems and to formulate solutions for the control of coastal zones in such a way that the conflict can be reduced to a large extent. The proposed introduction of a nature area is examined critically and suggestions are made for its control and financing.