The Portfolio Committee held briefings on 5, 6 and 12 March 2012 with the Department of Environmental Affairs to consider their Strategic Plan and Budget Vote. The briefings reviewed the following: . The Strategic Plan (Annual Performance Plan) of the Department for the 2012/13 to 2016/17 financial years; . The appropriations to the Department Budget Vote 30 for the 2012 financial years; . The transfers of monies to entities falling within the mandate of the Department; . An overview of programmes of, and allocations, to the Department; . An overview of key performance areas (priority areas) of the Department; . Synergies with government priorities and international obligations; . Challenges faced by the Department; and . Recommendations.