Four narratives on the relationship between society and the environment:

1. The conservation view

This view is seen as an authoritarian approach because it does not consider people and it removes their rights. It dictates the policies and rules. People do not have rights, just like during the apartheid era in South Africa. People can be forcefully removed from their settlements without any consequences.

2. The economic view

This view is seen as a capitalist approach because it sees the environment as the commodity that is primarily there for selling and/or buying. The environment is identified as an economic asset to bring about lasting socio-economic development and transformation not only in the specific locality but throughout the country. Capitalists identify opportunities to exploit resources to make money by those who have the means as well as the power. Nature is always exploited. In South Africa, many factories use coal which is a mineral to generate electricity and steam, which then remains the ashes. Ash cannot be used for landfilling and cannot be recycled either. It just causes pollution.

3. The non-state actors view

This views originate from external interested parties such as the academics, scientists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), etc. outside of the local community. It excludes local community representation or inputs. This view puts a great value on the environment as they believe that it should be protected and respected.

4. The local view

This view is complex and highly differentiated, because it is informed by time, place, individual characteristics and circumstances as well as local power & politics. The nature of the relationship with the environment as shaped by the socio-political context because it is influenced by the policies and practices as framework as well as the direct views and responses of local communities. The communities are more protective of the environment and the scarce resources they need for their livelihoods whether livelihoods are derived from the land or not. For example, in South Africa the farmers use the land as source of food, wood for fuel, construction, shelter, fodder and medicines.