This section describes how historical and current environmental policies can impact on the sustainability of natural resources. Generally, where a democratic government is in place, policy tends to be informed not just by experts, but also by various stakeholders and the general public. In this way national government can make appropriate allocations of financial and human resources to implement priority policy. South Africa has had a democratically elected government since 1994, and the increased participation by stakeholders and the public in policy formation has been a positive result of the transition to democracy since 1990. It has raised the level of public debate on issues to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
National policy can, and is being influenced by international policies and agreements.
For example, the White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biological Diversity was influenced by the Biodiversity Convention which South Africa signed and ratified in 1995. In turn, national policy can influence international behaviour. The influx of donor funding to South Africa since the democratic elections in 1994 is an example of this, whereby South Africa's national policies are recognised as forward-thinking and deserving of support. The Pocket size version of the Constitution of South Africa Environmental policy development should be followed by translation into law so that government and other parties are empowered to take protective measures and actions to promote sustainable development, and ensure that such laws are enforced. South Africa is well ahead of many other African countries in the move towards sustainable development because, in addition to several new environmental policies, the Constitution makes provision for each citizen to have the right to a healthy environment, and the right to have the environment protected.