The main purpose of introducing the concept of sustainable development is, as it is stated by the Brundtland Commission that introduced it in the 1980s, was to ensure that the use of our resources be such that our present needs are provided without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This requires that our total resources must be kept intact. In order to achieve this, many specific actions have been suggested. It is built around the fact that everyone has the right to have the environment protected through reasonable legislative and other measures that secure ecologically sustainable development (The Constitution).

The National Environmental Principles included in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) require development to be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. It implies that several things should be considered before any development can take place.

The White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biological Diversity asks for ecologically sustainable economic development. Biological diversity and resources should be used sustainably, avoiding or minimizing adverse impacts on biodiversity (Goal 2). Sustainable development of areas adjacent to protected areas should be promoted.

A cross-sectoral approach should be adopted if marine biodiversity is to be used sustainably and conserved effectively (Marine and coastal areas). Integrated land-use planning that include multiple natural resource activities which are compatible with and complement the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity should be investigated and implemented. The national policy on population should also incorporate the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Sustainable lifestyles should be adopted.

The principles that guide forestry decisions (National Forest Act) states that forests must be developed and managed to conserve biological diversity, ecosystems, habitats and natural resources, especially soil and water.

Aquatic ecosystems must be protected in order to secure ecologically sustainable development and use of the relevant water resource (the Reserve; National Water Act).

The policy for environmental conservation (Environment Conservation Act) provides for the promotion of sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems.

Wetlands and estuarine areas represent some of our most threatened ecosystems, thus is their conservation and sustainable use crucial (Aquatic areas and wetlands;  A White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's biological diversity).

The Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa acknowledge that development in South Africa requires optimum and environmentally sustainable use of all the natural resources in the country. This implies that a balance must be attained between a cost-effective and competitive mining industry and the imperative to protect the environment.

Government will have to ensure that the costs of environmental impacts of the mining industry are not passed over to the community. It will require, among other things, a co-ordinated and integrated environmental management approach towards the use of all natural resources.