The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s National Web-Based Environmental Screening Tool is now fully operational. This was announced on Thursday by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George.

“This instrument is a game-changer for South Africa,” he affirmed. “It’s about making processes faster and smarter without compromising our environment. For ordinary South Africans, this means projects that create jobs and drive growth can get off the ground sooner, while we protect the ecosystems we all depend on.”

The new tool is a cutting-edge platform that streamlines the environmental approval process for planned projects, as well as reduces bureaucratic obstacles.  By so doing, it both promotes economic growth and guards the environment.

The National Web-Based Environmental Screening Tool operates under Regulation 16 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (of 2014) of the National Environmental Management Act. Gazetted on July 5, 2019, the tool is mandatory for all EIA applications. It covers key sectors including agriculture, animal species and biodiversity. It replaces Appendix 6 of the EIA Regulations (where that had been gazetted).

“This delivers real benefits for communities,” he assured. “By slashing delays in environmental approvals, we’re paving the way for renewable-energy projects, new infrastructure, and industrial developments that create jobs and stimulate local economies. It’s about progress that people can feel – more opportunities, better services, and a cleaner environment.”

The new tool employs advanced data to classify areas for environmental sensitivity to proposed developments, from very high impact to low impact. It does so with an ease that is unprecedented. As a result, potential risks posed by projects can be identified early. Project boundaries can be adjusted to avoid sensitive ecosystems. Precision and accountability are assured by means of Site Sensitivity Verification and customised protocols. The outcome is more rapid decision-making for projects, including renewable energy and infrastructure expansion projects.

“We’re cutting months off project timelines,” highlighted George. “In Renewable Energy Development Zones, where we’re turning disturbed land into hubs for green energy, this means quicker financial closes and more jobs in regions hungry for economic growth.”

The Tool has been proving especially effective with renewable-energy projects. More than 3 000 applications have been processed. It has identified sites with low environmental sensitivity – locations, for example, free from the risk of collisions between flying animals (particularly vultures) and wind turbine blades – thereby allowing projects to be rapidly incorporated into the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

“This is about building a South Africa where progress powers prosperity,” he concluded. “I urge developers, practitioners, and communities to embrace this platform and join us in creating a future were cutting red tape means creating jobs, protecting nature, and delivering for our people.”