The South African government has drawn up many laws and policies to protect the environment. You can find these and other Acts on the website: www.polity.org.za

• The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA, No. 43, 1983) lists weeds and invader plants that must be controlled

• The National Water Act (No. 36, 1998) regulates the conservation, use, and management of South Africa’s water resources

• The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, No. 107, 1998) protects the constitutional right of all South Africans to a healthy environment and environmental protection

• The National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25, 1999) empowers people to conserve their heritage resources so that they may be left to future generations

• The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No. 57, 2003) aims to protect and conserve natural areas representing South Africa’s ecosystems, landscapes and seascapes

• The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10, 2004) ensures that South Africa’s species and ecosystems are protected and used sustainably, and that the benefits of biodiversity are shared fairly

• The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No. 39, 2004) prevents air pollution and environmental damage, while allowing necessary development