TMF Environmental Projects in IDPs, West Coast and Eden

The Table Mountain Fund (TMF) have partnered with the Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU), University of Cape Town for a programme aimed at mainstreaming sustainable development within the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of municipalities. The Table Mountain Fund have in the past been engaged in a programme of funding selected biodiversity and environmental management related projects, and have now partnered with the EEU to assist with certain aspects of this programme. Two nodes have been identified for the purposes of this project, namely the West Coast and Eden District Municipalities. 

 

The key objective of the programme is a targeted intervention into the IDPs. This will be achieved by identifying gaps in IDPs and potential environmental projects with a focus on local economic development, for subsequent funding via the TMF. A total of 10-15 projects in each node are envisaged. The interventions would vary depending on the context, on the current situation, on the strengths and weaknesses and capacity within each municipality.

 

Once the list of possible projects has been identified, the EEU would embark on training and capacity building aimed at municipal officials, specifically the Local Economic Development (LED) officials. The broad objective would be to provide an understanding of sustainable development principles and practice, examining how the ‘Green Projects’ identified would stimulate the local economy while advancing environmental management. A further objective would be to capacitate the LED officials to design, support and procure environmental management projects of this nature into the future. The planning, feasibility and implementation of the Green Projects would be undertaken by another contractor, appointed by TMF.

 

The TMF and the EEU have a long-term interest in developing and supporting models of improved environmental management, and mutually supportive local Economic Development, at municipal level. This project forms the first part of what is intended to be a long-term partnership.

 

The EEU in collaboration with TMF have developed a Roadmap for Green Projects. This Roadmap aims to support efforts towards mainstreaming sustainable development within municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). Specifically, the Roadmap is intended to assist officials in identifying Local Economic Development (LED) opportunities that might be available using natural resources, developing these projects, and incorporating these projects into the IDP.

This Roadmap has been prepared primarily in alignment with TMF criteria for Green Projects, for use by local IDP, LED and environmental municipal officials. However it is anticipated that others might find this document useful in developing and implementing projects that generate LED whilst enhancing the natural environment. See the document and appendices below.