The Department of Environmental Affairs is mandated to ensure the protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources, balanced with sustainable development, and the equitable distribution of the benefits derived from natural resources. In its quest for better use and management of the environment, the Department is guided by its constitutional mandate, as contained in section 24 of the Constitution, 1996, as well as Acts of Parliament, regulations and policies. The work of the Department is supported by the following Entities: