INR / 22/09/2014 The INR has been contracted by the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) to create a Biodiversity Offset Plan...
Read MoreSustainable Futures
Sustainability thinking is based on the understanding that functional, healthy ecosystems and good environmental quality are a prerequisite for social wellbeing and economic prosperity. We live in complex socio-ecological systems where all human activity influences the area, condition and health of natural systems, which has subsequent consequences for society given our reliance on them and the ecosystem services they generate.
The following key principles[1] are essential for understanding the relationships within these systems and responding accordingly in securing a sustainable future:- That nature is appropriately valued and appreciated in decision making; risk is dealt with transparently and systematically; environmental goals are integrated into policy and activities; the concept of ‘sustainable communities’ is entrenched through effective participation by communities in developmental processes; Decisions consider long term implications in ensuring inter-generational equity; The principle of continuous improvement is achieved through a commitment to improving practice, and that good governance is essential for achieving all of the preceding .
This theme aims to “improve the above understanding and its application into all aspects of economic activity, from policy through to planning, implementation and operations” through the following specific objectives:
- To increase the understanding of sustainability through appropriate research, dissemination and training.
- To empower government, business, and society through the development of new and the refinement of existing tools and systems, to make sustainability thinking the foundational basis for everything we do.
- To provide a wide range of services that demonstrate the benefits of the sustainability approach to all sectors of society and empower them to improve their contribution to environmental sustainability.

Our Current Projects
The Institute is currently involved in various projects across the country. Please view list below for more information regarding our projects.
Development of a Natural Resource Management Strategy and Implementation Plan for KwaZulu-Natal
INR / 30/07/2015 DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGIC PROVINCIAL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN Research Context The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)...
Read MoreScoping and EIA for the Proposed Expansion of the Pietermaritzburg Airport
INR / 06/11/2015 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION Environmental Authorisation was issued by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) on 14 June...
Read MoreDevelopment of an Environmental Management Framework for the Amajuba District Municipality
INR / 25/08/2017 The Amajuba District Municipality (ADM) has embarked on the development of an environmental management framework (EMF). The...
Read MoreScoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (S&EIA) for Ludidi Community Afforestation in the Eastern Cape
INR / 08/03/2017 Project Overview The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), through its implementing agent Rural Forestry Development (RFD) has identified...
Read MoreDevelopment of an Environmental Management Framework for the Umgungundlovu District Municipality
INR / 07/06/2016 The uMgungundlovu District Municipality (uMDM) has, with the support of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism...
Read MoreScoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) Process for the Chevy Chase Community Afforestation Project Eastern Cape Province
The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian reform (DRDAR) have identified the community of Chevy Chase with forestry potential for...
Read MoreWater use of agroforestry systems for food and forage production
This research project started in 2016 and will be completed in March 2020. The overall aims of the project are...
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