For instance the Table Mountain Fund received R30 million for conservation projects in the Cape Peninsula. New policy and legislation will enable minimisation of negative impacts on the environment through better management systems and enforcement. For example the application of EIAs already affects the way in which development projects are undertaken ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account and in so doing, prevent projects that are detrimental to the biophysical and social environment from going ahead. The possibility of directly intervening in development projects did not exist before. Confusion regarding responsibilities could lead to duplication of effort and therefore a waste of resources, or neglect of duties.
Institutional pressures are also evident.
Also, within each province, there is little consistency as to Departmental responsibilities regarding the environment. This complex arrangement of institutions at national, provincial and local levels makes co-ordination and integration of environmental programs difficult. Given the rapid rate at which policies have been generated, policy implementation may be constrained by capacity, support staff and training. For example, implementation of the EIA regulations has been seriously delayed at provincial and local government levels due to a shortage of staff, and numerous applications, exceeding the capacity to process. This has in some cases jeopardised the progress of various development projects creating tension and conflict.