FIFORD, R

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Learning Activity 9

The relationship between society and the environment that surrounds it, is often neglected. In South Africa we have constituted four narratives in which depict the relationship between the environment and that of society. These being: the conservation, the economic, non-state anchors and local views. All four anchors each have their own motive as well as a distinct objective, hence the reason for their placement.

The conservation narrative is in place to ensure the conservation of the environment in which surrounds us. This is achieved by ensuring a limited number of people in who occupy a certain piece of land, as well as ensuring the health of that given environment. The problem however with conservation, is that pre-colonization, there had been a certain setup and structure established by the locals! The same people in whom developed the structure and system was seen as less by the colonizer and for this hindered the environmental structure.

The economic narrative is in place to perceive the environment as a commodity in which is in place to allow for buying and selling. The perspective here is that land needs to be developed to ensure a stable economy as well as to lift people out of poverty. The problem here comes in, where rich become richer and poor become poorer. Thus because individuals are exploiting big pieces of land for corporate growth and the growth of many individuals rather than that of the community.

Non-State anchors narrative is a narrative in which is pushed and addressed by groups in whom are independent from the government. That being academic institutions, NGO’S many others. This perspective transpires through neglecting the environment. Thus they put the needs of humans first before the environment, as if it is not living! This is the problem with Non-state anchors they somewhat neglect the environment around them.

Local community views are in fact quite complex, as it is perceptions of individuals in whom have experienced life in a completely different manner and in a completely different time. It has a lot to do with that of politics and power, which always needs to be questioned. The problem with this narrative is that if there is to much financial aid and support within these communities, it may lead to no change at all, as people then become complacent.

There are also two environmental discourses within the context of South Africa. Those namely being: Sustainable development and environmental + social justice. Sustainable development is the objective for every state. As every states first priority should be the citizens and there shelter thereof. Sustainability should be the end goal behind any initiative, especially in that of development. Social justice is critical, as it ensures that the resources being derived from the environment is being spread equally, to create social justice within the country. Environmental justice is just as critical, as this ensures that water and food in which is extracted from the local environment is spread equally amongst the community.

The Sustainable development links to the discourse within a South African context in a great manner. Thus because South Africa has a high level of poverty in which effects the lives of many! Thus to ensure sustainable development within South Africa is critical and in fact it is the only way forward!