Just sustainabilities: The case of eco-estates in South Africa. Issue 2 (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mistry, Anjali; Spocter, Manfred
• Is Part Of: Local environment. Volume 27:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: Eco-estates -- eco-urbanism -- gated communities -- just sustainabilities -- South Africa -- sustainable development; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 363.7
• DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2022.2027352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-9839

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Globally, gated communities have been associated with negative social, economic and environmental impacts that are not conducive to sustainable urban development. Eco-estates have been touted as the answer to these sustainability issues and are viewed as the new "green" gated communities. Nature is a key aspect of eco-estates as it promotes a back-to-nature narrative to homebuyers and promotes sustainable living. This paper investigates eco-estates in South Africa with a view to establish whether they really contribute to just sustainabilities, that is a nuanced framing of sustainable developmvnent that involves a focus on social and economic equity. The study posits that while green initiatives within eco-estates may play a part in sustainable development, they fall short of advancing a just sustainability. The inherent exclusionary nature of eco-estates perpetuates inequality as the access to sustainable living in eco-estates is premised on whether one can afford to buy into these estates. Just sustainabilities in eco-estates cannot be met unless interventions to widen the access to nature and sustainable living are implemented. Until then, eco-estates will remain islands of exclusion of nature and "green" living.