What is sustainable development?

Here are the answers to your questions based on the provided text:

1. What is sustainable development? Sustainable development aims to meet present economic growth and basic needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, specifically by maintaining a diverse, healthy, and productive coastal ecosystem.

2. Provide THREE factors that put South Africa's coastal and marine resources under considerable threats.

   • Excessive sewage and storm water discharge from large commercial ports.
   • Urban development along the coastal zone, leading to habitat transformation and building around estuaries.
   • Over-harvesting of fish stock and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.

3. Give TWO reasons why South Africa's coast is seen as a valuable resource.

   • It provides jobs in sectors such as recreation, tourism, transportation, shipping, and fishing.
   • It offers great beauty, cultural value, and educational and scientific opportunities.

4. South Africa's large commercial ports have triggered extensive industrial and urban development. Name THREE developments that resulted in coastal damage.

   • Excessive sewage and storm water discharge.
   • Deterioration in coastal water quality.
   • Habitat transformation due to urban development, such as building houses around estuaries.

5. What is the advantage of using sustainable coastal development methods? The advantage is maintaining a diverse, healthy, and productive coastal ecosystem, which contributes to the reconstruction and development of South Africa.