The legal implications of grassland as a threatened treasurer : analysis of Haenertsburg Plains in South Africa

Abstract

Human well-being and progress toward sustainable development are vitally dependent upon improving the management of the Earth’s ecosystems to ensure their conservation and sustainable use. But while demands for ecosystem services such as food and clean water are growing, human actions are at the same time diminishing the capability of many ecosystems to meet these demands. This study explores the legal framework for the protection of grassland in South Africa. In particular, the study looks at the legal protection introduced to protect grassland in Haenertsburg area in South Africa. This study argues that Grassland is vital to the ecosystem, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining and providing life for many plant and animal species. The grassland is also important in our daily lives and is one of the most threatened biomes in South Africa. The study concludes by arguing that more regulatory measures are needed in order to protect the grasslands as threaten species.