Background
The South Industrial Basin is the economic heartland of the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). It contributes over 40% of Durban's gross geographic product and occupies over 50% of the industrial land in the city. It is also environmentally degraded, experiencing air pollution and waste disposal problems, and the loss of important natural resources.

This situation has undermined the quality of life of residential communities in the area. It has also negatively impacted on the competitiveness of the business environment. The close interface between residential and industrial activities in the area has also created tensions between residential communities, local government and industry regarding future development in the area.

Strategic Environmental Assessment
In order to start a process of addressing these problems, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was commissioned for the Durban South Basin area in1997. The aim of the SEA is, firstly, to assess the problems and opportunities in the area. Secondly, the SEA proposes sustainable development guidelines and management programmes to address current environmental problems and to guide future development.

Methodology

Methodology for the Durban South Basin SEA

Produce a baseline assessment of the Durban South Basin Basin identifying opportunities and constraints for future development Identify key strategic development criteria Evaluate the impacts of different types of potential development (petrochemical, port, mixed use, light industry) Develop a policy planning framework for sustainable development

The study has addressed both short-term and long-term development scenarios for the area. Each scenario was assessed as to its impact on living environments, air quality, waste generation and disposal and institutional and infrastructural needs.

Public participation
As with all of the projects undertaken within the context of the Local Agenda 21 programme, a process of constructive engagement has been pursued with all stakeholders during the course of the SEA. This has included inter alia:

• A schools education programme aimed at familiarising young people in the area with the project.
• A field worker development programme for a limited number of individuals from residential sectors within the study area. This increased the understanding of environmental issues by local communities. It also facilitated their informed participation in the SEA.

Disaster management
One of the key recommendations to emerge from the SEA to date has been the need for improved disaster management in the Durban South Basin. To this end, the United Nation's Environmental Programme, APELL (Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies and the Local Level), will be launched in Durban in October 1999 as a Phase 3 Local Agenda 21 programme.

The SEA Study Area