The conflict between economic and conservation imperatives in the proposed exploration of shale gas in the South Western Karoo basin

• Main Author: Mkhacane, Nkateko
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2012
• Subjects: Shale gas > Economic aspects > South Africa > Karoo; Shale gas > Conservation > South Africa > Karoo
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008180

In this research the conflict between economic and conservation imperatives in the proposed exploration of shale gas in the South Western Karoo Basin was investigated. The primary aim of this study was to come to a theoretical understanding of the situation through a critical analysis of existing documents which allowed me to outline in detail the two opposing perspectives that either promote or resist a shale gas exploration project. The second objective of this research was to present empirical data from both a questionnaire completed by 20 respondents and two interviews, that helps amplify and verify arguments for or against a shale gas exploration project. The theoretical and empirical components of the research offer the basis for a balanced assessment of the viability of shell gas exploration in the Karoo. Using three fundamental assessment criteria (social, economic and environmental) for what constitutes a sustainable development project the gathered data was analysed in order to help ascertain whether or not the shale gas exploration project is a worthwhile development project. The question answered was whether a shale gas exploration project meets its social, economic and environmental mandates. From this, the final objective of this research was to make recommendations concerning what a responsible policy would be concerning land use in the Karoo.