THE FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL NARRATIVES IDENTIFIED IN SA 

1. The conservation view

2. The economic view 

3. Non-state actors view 

4. Local view

THE OBJECTIVES AND MOTIVATIONS OF THE NARRATIVES

Conservation view: this view is the oldest narrative, that supports the authoritarian approach, this when the communities' views are excluded in the decision making. It's motivation is on the bases that the approach is focused on protecting the environment by excluding people and removing their rights to land and other natural resources.

Economic view: this narrative sees the environment as a commodity not to benefit the locals but a selected few of the privileged. Its motivation is based on the view that nature is an untapped resource that should be exploited to lift people out of poverty.

Non-state actors view; this narrative's views originate from external interest parties outside the local communities. it supports economic growth and the use of environment by the local but in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the environment. Its motivation is in the belief in the intrinsic value of the environment that it should be protected and respected because the environmental resources are finite.

Local view: its views are highly complex and differentiated because its informed by time, place, individual characteristics and circumstances as well as local power and politics. Its motivation is influenced by the nature of the relationship with the environment as shaped by the socio-political context.

DO THESE NARRATIVES CONTRIBUTE ON THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SA ENVIRONMENT

conservation view: it does not anymore. SA is now a democratic country, which means people are now included in the decision making and there is less to no forced removals and resettlements. 

economic view: it does. The environment is still exploited for the benefit of the country's economy. example, the Transkei area in the Eastern Cape exploited for the extraction of raw materials which in turn may bring about investors, resulting in employment thus growing the economy.

non-state actors view: it does. SA is a developing country with an end goal to be developed country but not at the expense of its environment. This why it has initiatives and projects that promote the preservation of the environment, in the likes of Greenfund, Goodgreendeeds etc. 

local view: it does. The local power includes the communities in the decision making process which in turn benefits the communities. When they benefit their relationship with the environment may change as people participate in initiatives and projects that promote the preservation of the environment.

THE TWO MAIN DISCOURSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN SA

1. SUSTANABLE DVELOPMENT ENV DISCOURSE 

This is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. It includes integration of economic growth, social development and environmental protection into national, regional and international planning and decision making.

2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AS ENV DISCOURSE

This is the equal distribution and access to good quality environmental resources that are linked to overcome social problems and their effects on the communities. Problems such as poverty, poor quality of  education and employment as well as health and wellbeing.