Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

Copies of the following records are requested:

1. A copy of the official comments and responses report, prepared by the Department of Environmental Affairs, based on written representations made during the public participation process for the Operation Phakisa marine protected area network, published for comment on 3 February 2016 in the Government Gazette 609 (39646), Regulation Gazette. No. 10553.

2. A copy of the written representations made by the Department of Mineral Resources and submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs for the Operation Phakisa marine protected area network, published for comment on 3 February 2016 in the Government Gazette 609 (39646), Regulation Gazette. No. 10553.

3. A copy of the written representations made by the Petroleum Agency of South Africa and submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs for the Operation Phakisa marine protected area network, published for comment on 3 February 2016 in the Government Gazette 609 (39646), Regulation Gazette. No. 10553.

4. Copies of any meeting minutes and agendas prepared for any meetings held between the Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Mineral Resources related to the Operation Phakisa marine protected area network before, during and after the participation process.

5. Copies of any document or record (including any power point presentations or written memos) that outlines and provides a justification for the phased approach to declaring the Operation Phakisa marine protected area network.

6. Copies of any document or record which classifies the individual Operation Phakisa marine protected area network and provides timeframes for declaration according to a phased approach.

7. A copy of any report prepared for the Department of Environmental Affairs setting out the anticipated job and GDP growth potential associated with Operation Phakisa.

8. A copy of any document or record setting out any details (in particular, timeframes) including comments, in relation to the proposed inclusion of seismic surveys as a listed activity in terms of the EIA regulations.

9. Copies of all environmental authorisations granted to offshore oil and gas producers by the Department of Environmental Affairs, from 1 January 2006 to date.

10. Copies of all written representations made by the Department of Mineral Resources and submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs objecting to notices of intention to declare any protected areas, since January 2014.