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Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

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Welcome to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Our mandate is to preserve the Western Cape’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage for future generations by preventing environmental harm. We make informed decisions based on South African environmental legislation, while considering the impact of other laws, to enable a resilient, sustainable, quality, and inclusive living environment. Achieving this requires the active participation of our citizens, communities, businesses, and organisations, as environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. By collaborating with key stakeholders—including national and provincial departments, municipalities, and other spheres of government—we can safeguard the environment, promote sustainable development, and maintain environmental integrity. Work with us to protect our natural environment FOR YOU  and future generations by being a responsible and engaged citizen.

  • Happy EMI DAY

    Celebrating Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI Day) on 20 September. Find out more about our EMI team

    National EMI Poster
  • Visit CapeNature

    CapeNature manages numerous nature reserves in the Western Cape, 25 of these reserves are open to the public to visit. 

    Mountain and nature
  • Pledge-Trees-Now-&-Plant-Later 2025-2028 Campaign

    South Africa's National Greening Programme promotes sustainability, biodiversity, and community well-being through tree planting and developing green spaces.

    looking up at trees
  • Report environmental crimes

    Find out who you should contact to report environmental crimes happening in the province. 

    Table Mountain

Our services to you!

We offer a range of services to support environmental protection, sustainable development, and responsible planning across the Western Cape. 

Atmospheric Emissions Licencing

Atmospheric Emissions Licencing

Waste licencing

Waste licencing

Reporting environmental crimes and contraventions

Reporting environmental crimes and contraventions

We are happy to introduce our Chief Directorates to you!

The five Chief Directorates of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning work together to protect natural resources, promote sustainable development, and ensure a well-planned, resilient Western Cape. Read more about each of them below!

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Environmental Governance

BREPP Site

Environmental Quality

fynbos

Environmental Sustainability

spatial planning

Development Planning

Training-test

About us

Find out more about what our Department does For You.

Minister Bredell

Meet the Minister

Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, ​​​​​​​Mr. Anton Bredell.

Man using his cellphone

Contact us

Need to get hold of us? View the ways, you can reach out to our Department.