Profile
History
The Cape Town office of EnAct was established in 1997 as a sister organisation to EnAct International of London which was founded by Cormac Cullinan in 1994. EnAct International in London worked in more than 40 countries and developed an international reputation as a leader in the fields of environmental law and policy. In 1999 Cormac Cullinan relocated to Cape Town and a year later the London office was closed.


Approach
What makes EnAct unique is our integrated, holistic and creative approach to developing solutions for our clients.  We are leaders in developing governance systems that enable organisations, communities and societies to become more ecologically sustainable and that give effect to the bioregional and ecosystems approaches (ecological governance).

Our team of specialists in environmental law and governance would typically approach a project by first thoroughly analysing existing governance frameworks (laws, policies, institutional structures etc) and crystallising the key issues. Drawing on our experience and on best practice in other countries, we then develop practical and innovative solutions that are tailored to the needs of the client. If required, we would then assist our clients in drafting the policies, strategies, laws and agreements to establish the new system and training staff to implement it. 
We work both independently and as part of multi-disciplinary teams. We also work closely with our associates in Lisbon (Ecosphere Consulting) and Edinburgh (Donald Reid).
 

Core business
Our core business involves:

  • drafting and negotiating treaties, and national, provincial and local government legislation;
  • developing public sector policies, programmes, plans and strategies;
  • advising on legal, policy and institutional reform;
  • providing support to public sector organisations;
  • research;  and
  • training.


Expertise
Our expertise covers most aspects of governance related to the achievement of ecologically sustainable societies, from 'brown' issues such as pollution control and waste management, to the 'greener' areas of natural resource management and the conservation of species and habitats.  We also deal with cultural heritage issues, including traditional knowledge.

Our areas of expertise include:

  • biodiversity, wildlife protection and the regulation of genetic engineering;
  • natural resource management, including forestry, land and water;
  • fisheries including marine fisheries management, aquaculture, inland fisheries and fish disease legislation;
  • the prevention, control and management of pollution, dangerous substances and waste;
  • sustainable development, including integrated catchment and coastal area management, and sustainable agriculture;
  • SADC environmental law; and
  • international environmental law, and the law of the sea including maritime boundary delimitation and the management of transfrontier marine areas.
 
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