1. INTRODUCTIONEnvironmental management plans are an imperative outcome of the environmental assessment process (World Bank, nd). Environmental management plans are one of twenty-two commonly used tools for the process of implementing the principles of integrated environmental management, as set out by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT(a), 2004 ).1.1. Definitions1.1.1. EnvironmentThe National Environmental Management Act (1998) refers to environment as “the environment in which humans exist and which is composed of:i. the earth, water and atmosphere of the earth; ii. micro-organisms, plant and animal life; iii. any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the relationships between them; and iv. the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the above which influence human health and well-being. » The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT (a), 2004) defines the environment as “the biophysical, social environment”. and economic, as well as the links within and between these components”.1.1.2. ManagementManagement refers to the “process of managing or controlling things or people” as defined by (Google, nd). Additionally, this process involves “the initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring and closure of an activity, including associated responsibilities and accountabilities” (DEAT (a), 2004). In environmental management, the environment is not managed directly. Here, management focuses more on people and processes. For example, the interaction of humans with the environment (biophysical, social and economic).1.1.3. PlanThe Oxford Dictionary (nd) defines 'p...... middle of paper ......Malaysia Environmenta Journal, 2011. Understanding an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) [WWW Document]. URL http://envscientist.blogspot.com/2011/03/understanding-environmental-management.html (accessed 5.20.14).National Environmental Management Act, 1998. . Government Gazette, South Africa. Oxford Dictionary, untitled [WWW document]. URL http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/plan (accessed 05/20/14). World Bank, and Web Definitions [WWW document]. URL https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QkA4oADAA&url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTOED /EXTENVIRONMENT/0,,contentMDK:21813865~menuPK:5189977~pagePK:64829573~piPK:64829550~theSitePK:4681890,00.html&ei=wvJ6U4bWA4OO7Qaw94CYBA&usg=AFQjCNFfdNFmNO-GcG2rK30I glGj bExFTA&sig2=LIctGoN3DYDSk4KiRK0M8Q&bvm=bv.67229260,d.ZGU (accessed 5.20.14).