According to the Bill of Rights, which is contained in Chapter 2 of the 1996 Constitution, everyone has the right to

• an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being
• have the environment protected, for the benefit of the present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that
• prevent pollution and ecological degradation
• promote conservation
• secure ecological sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

Conservation in South Africa is the responsibility of various government institutions. At central government level, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is the central policy-formulating and coordinating body.