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Forest fires and uncontrolled cutting of trees (a common source of energy), lower and more erratic rainfall, conversion of forest land to other uses, and overgrazing by livestock, particularly in the communal farming areas, have contributed to the decline in forests and wooded land.

Namibia's minerals policy, launched in 2003, aims, inter alia, to attract investment in the sector, while ensuring the responsible development and sustainable utilization of mineral resources.

South Africa ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety in 2003.

The 1997 Genetically Modified Organisms Act regulates all activities involving the use of GMOs to ensure that they carried out in such a way that possible harmful consequences to the environment and to human and animal health are limited, accidents are prevented, and waste is managed in an effective manner.

South Africa's specific commitments in the Uruguay Round include environment services.

A number of products remain subject to export controls on grounds of safety, security, and environmental protection reasons, and in order to ensure compliance with international obligations under treaties and conventions to which South Africa is a signatory.

Export prohibitions apply only to ozone-depleting substances in accordance with the Montreal Protocol.

Import controls, through a permit (i.e. licence) system, are maintained on health, sanitary, phytosanitary, and environmental grounds, or under international conventions to which South Africa is a signatory.

An environmental levy of 3 cents per bag on locally manufactured and imported plastic carriers and flat bags was introduced in 2004 in order to reduce pollution.

Quantitative restrictions apply to used goods, goods controlled under the Montreal Protocol, and under the Basel Convention.