2.1.2. Environmental conservation
The objective of the environmental conservation is to improve
human life quality. It involves the mobilization of resources and the use of
the Government to administer the use of both natural and economic goods and
services. However, it is used as the relative capability of an environment to
satisfy the needs and wants of an individual or Society. BARROW (1999:25)
According to Michael,(1988:144), environmental conservation is
defined as the part of resource management which is concerned with the
discharge into the environment of substances that might be harmful or that
might have harmful physical effects and with safe guarding.
According to CUNNINGHAM (2004:3), environmental conservation
is a practice of protecting the environment on the individual, organizational
or Governmental level for the benefit of the natural environment and humans.
Due to the pressure of the population and our technology, the biophysical
environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently. This has been recognized
and Government began placing restraints on activities that caused environmental
degradation. Since the 1960s activism by environmental movement has created
awareness of the various environmental issues.
2.2.1. Necessary conditions for the population implication
in environmental conservation activities
> Motivation: the population must be
informed; competent structures must be part in place and encourage the rural
world that is economically weak to search for possible and adequate
solutions.
> Sustainable alternatives: the
alternatives offered to the citizens concerning the developmental activities to
be taken, must be long lasting and self sustaining and accessible. Logistical
and financial supporting must be a guarantee.
> Competence: citizens must possess or
acquire sufficient skills so as to manipulate different alternatives, in terms
of technical assistance and general instructions.
> Benefits: citizens must be conscious of
benefits, which they must get from the actions taken whether by direct or
indirect incentives and incitements. GEORGE Williams (2005:10)
2.2.2. Environment Management Systems (EMS)
Environment Management Systems (EMSs) were first developed in
the United States in response to increasingly stringent environmental
legislation and costly penalty for non-compliance. This led to the realization
that there was a need for an integrated and proactive approach to environmental
issues. Internal management systems were already established in areas such as
health and safety. So, they were recognized as a favorable approach to
achieving improved environmental performance. SHELDON and YAXON (1999:4)
EMSs are often practiced without the formality presumed
essential. However, in order for a management system to fully integrate itself
into the culture and function of an organization, it will need some degree of
structure. This will help ensure that it is comprehensive and progressive. For
the purpose of this dissertation, an EMS is defined as: the organizational
structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for
determining and implementing environmental issues. RONDINELLI and VASTAG
(2000:205)
2.2.2.1. Best practices of Environment Management
Systems (EMS)
An EMS is about putting systems in place to identify measures
and monitor impacts in order to reduce remedy or prevent them altogether.
NETHERWOOD (1996:35-38) states that a successful and effective EMS will
incorporate commitment to continuous improvement and through defining clear
objectives and targets will bring about tangible environmental improvements. In
order for an organization to improve its environmental performance it doe not
need to implement an EMS. However, with the structure of a system-based
approach, an organization can consistently meet its targets, improve
performance and incorporate environmental consideration into all aspects of the
business.
The environmental policy should set out the overall directions
and principles of the organization, such as the pollution prevention and
continuous improvement. It should be based on information from the initial
environmental review and be documented and publicly available.
A fundamental aim of the environmental policy formulation is
to create an environmental culture within an organization. It must address the
significant aspects and processes of the organization and create a framework
for managing them.
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