Coastal Communities Take Legal Stand Against Offshore Oil Drilling

Coastal Communities Take Legal Stand Against Offshore Oil Drilling

Coastal communities and small-scale fishers from the Northern and Western Cape, backed by The Green Connection and Natural Justice, have taken the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to the Western Cape High Court.

They are challenging the Environmental Authorisation (EA) granted to TotalEnergies in 2023 for oil and gas exploration in Block 5/6/7, a marine area seen as vital for livelihoods and food security. Bronwyn Van Neel from Environmental Traits Port Nolloth says the following:

Sound Bite - Bronwen Van Neel_ Enviromental 

The applicants argue that the EA was approved without properly assessing the risks of oil spills, climate change impacts, or the socio-economic harm to coastal communities, and failed to meet the requirements of South Africa’s environmental and coastal management laws.

The applicants also object to Shell’s attempt to join the case, saying that the exploration rights have already expired. They believe Shell’s participation undermines transparent and lawful environmental governance. Community Outreach Coordinator at The Green Connections, Neville van Rooy, elaborates:

Sound Bite - Neville van Rooy _  The Green Connection