Standing for Social and Environmental Justice.
Siyabambisana ngokukhusela nobulungisa uluntu kunye nokusingqongileyo.
Ons staan op as gemeenskappe in eenheid vir omgewings en sosiale geregtigheid.
Various companies like Shell are currently starting exploration for oil and gas. Seismic surveys are part of exploring for oil and gas. Oil companies use them to search beneath the ocean for oil and gas. The Green Connection opposes seismic surveys due to their impact on the ocean environment and on the lives of all those who depend on the marine life of the sea for their livelihoods. Shell has tried to carry out seismic surveys along the biodiversity-rich wild coast, where many coastal communities depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.
Shell is not the only company that is planning to explore for oil and gas under the seabed. Legal action interdicted Searcher from starting their seismic survey on the west coast. We are also opposing TOSACO, AZINAM on the west coast, TEEPSA, TEPSA, CGG on the south east coast who are in various stages of trying to get permits for exploration linked activities and seismic surveys (view offshore oil and gas map below).
As part of the Who Stole Our Oceans Campaign, The Green Connection, together with other civil society organizations (Masifundise, SDCEA, Oceans Not Oil, Sustaining The Wild Coast, Protect The West Coast, Eastern Cape Environmental Network, 350Africa.org, The Bigai Fishing & Environmental Society Knysna, Extinction Rebellion, Natural Justice, Amadiba Crisis Committee, Kobush Development Association, Coastal Links, Coastal Justice Network, African Climate Alliance, SAFCEI, and others) are opposing activities that are aimed at finding and exploiting fossil fuels under the seabed, including seismic surveys. We encourage those who would be environmental defenders to make yourselves aware and take action.
The Green Connection strives to have a voice in decision making processes related to social and environmental justice in Africa. Additionally, to develop understanding and awareness about different aspects of sustainable development. An environmental and social justice campaign was launched in 2020, in a bid to protect our oceans for future generations, with a particular emphasis on opposing offshore oil and gas exploration. The history of oil extract in Africa is one of greed, complicity, destruction of livelihoods and natural habitat, and human rights violations. This is perfectly illustrated by the Nigerian military government’s targeting of the Ogoni people, who were protesting the devastating environmental degradation caused by the Shell Petroleum Company’s oil pollution.
Karpowership – Saldanha Bay
The original Environmental Authorisation was refused. Karpower appealed and Minister Creecy referred back for more studies. EIA application version 2 now been granted on 14 November 2023, but Triplo4 consultants only notified the public on 24 November 2023. The appeal deadline is on 14 December 2023.
Green Connection submission to EIA version 2 is here. Anyone who wishes to oppose project can write an objection and appeal to Minister Creecy to reverse the approval. To appeal, write to Attention: Director: Appeals and Legal Review
E-mail: appeals@dffe.gov.za and ask them for the form. If you have the form, then you send your appeal to the same address.
Join the call to stop offshore oil and gas exploration in the ocean and call for sustainable, renewable energy solutions. SIGN PETITION
Empowerment of young activists, and women in particular, to intervene in the policy and legislative space, so that decision-making processes are strengthened to ensure effective implementation of governance in the natural environment, conservation and environmental justice spheres.
For upcoming events, please visit us again.
People Centred Approach To The Just Energy Transition Webinar
Port St Johns and Mthwalume communities protest in solidarity with west coast communities against Deep Water Orange Basin project
Civil society and activists met to discuss Budgetary Review Recommendations Report process for 2024 & 2025, to contribute to parliament processes for good governance
Legal Update Webinar on Shell Seismic Surveys, TEEPSA 567 & Karpower Electricity License (NERSA)
Court case challenge against NERSA electricity generation license
If you have a passion for environmental justice and would like to assist with our programmes and empowerment initiatives, please get in touch!
greenconnectcpt@gmail.com
info@thegreenconnection.org.za
The Green Connection was established in 2000. In 2021 the civil society organisation was restructured to be a NPC with a board of directors and it retains it’s section 18A tax benefit status. Some of the specific areas we work in are Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Renewable Energy, Educational Resources & Translation, Community Development, Empowerment in Environmental Sustainability, and Empowering Effective Environmental Impact Assessments.
