Investigating the alignment between EMF and the strategic planning context

Abstract

An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) can be a useful tool for determining the desirability of specific activities when considered against environmental priorities and sensitivities at both the local and regional level. EMF intends to function in unison with other strategic planning instruments such as spatial development frameworks and integrated development plans, that comprise the strategic planning context. The extent to which EMF aligns with these - and with the strategic planning context in general - is, however, not clearly understood. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the alignment between EMF and the strategic planning context. An EMF case study is used to investigate the manner and extent to which this alignment transpires in practice. A review protocol structured around six thematic areas and informed by the objectives of the EMF case study is used to investigate the alignment between the EMF and a selection of 13 strategic planning documents. Each document and key performance indicator (KPI) are rated as either fully aligned, partially aligned, or as having no alignment with the EMF. The study found that EMF generally aligned poorly with the strategic planning context, especially at the national sphere. Alignment improved at the lower spheres of government and was the best between the EMF and the strategic planning context at the local governmental sphere. The management of water resources, protection of biodiversity and planning for sustainable development were the thematic areas that showed the best overall alignment.