Four environmental narratives identified in SA.

The conservation view is the first environmental narrative   it focus in protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them. Conservation is the careful maintenance and upkeep of a natural resource to prevent it from disappearing. This viewpoint requires that the environment be used in a way that is sustainable, and it ensures that the natural resources will be used in a manner that will meet the present day needs for the resource without jeopardizing the supply of the resource for future generations.

 Economic is the second environmental narrative has to do with identifying an economic asset to bring about lasting socio-economic development and transformation not only in the specific locality but also throughout the country. The economic view shows that nature is an untapped resource that should lift people out of poverty in a way that profit with better other people lives. Environmental economists are concerned with identifying specific problems to be rectified, but there can be many approaches to solving the same environmental problem. If a state is trying to impose a transition to clean energy, for example, they have several options. The government can impose a forcible limit on carbon emissions, or it can adopt more incentive-based solutions, like placing quantity-based taxes on carbon emissions or offering tax credits to companies that adopt renewable power sources.

 A non-state actors is the third environmental narrative in South Africa because it shows  originate from external interested parties for example academics, scientists,  ,non-governmental organisations  outside of the local community and it also  exclude local community representation or inputs. Non-state actors include organizations and individuals that are not affiliated with, directed by, or funded through the government.  These include corporations, private financial institutions, and NGOs, as well as paramilitary and armed resistance groups.

Local views is the last environmental narratives in South Africa  are complex and highly differentiated, because it is informed by time,  place, individual characteristics and circumstances as well as local power & politics and it is driven by  nature of the relationship with the environment as shaped by the socio-political context. Makes policies and practices as framework direct views and responses of local communities. Shows that apartheid times such policies and practices served to distort communities relationship with the environment and whether livelihoods are derived from the land or not where from the land, communities are more protective of the environment and the scarce resources they need for their livelihoods for example local farmers.

What are the two main environmental discourses in SA.

Sustainable development is the organizing principle for meeting human development goals while simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services on which the economy and society depend. Sustainable development Already in 2001 SD is identified by the UN as goal for all nations globally, SD, social, and environment. Justice principles are incorporated in the SA constitution and it is an important concept in international politics of the environment but is approached differently by developed and developing countries as well as by different groups. It requires co-operation, commitment and co-ordination of efforts on all levels of government, together with the development of private sector partnerships business, community and it can provides a model for social change, for real development.

Social justice is the relation of balance between individuals and society measured by comparing distribution of wealth differences, from personal liberties to fair privilege opportunities. Social justice is the second environmental discourse Equitable distribution and access to good quality environmental resources are narrowly linked to overcoming social problems, and their effects, experienced by  communities problems which  include poverty ,poor quality education & unemployment and  health and wellbeing resulting from the effects of polluted, air, water, soil and food.