The Department of Environmental Affairs key strategic priorities include: . Protecting, conserving and enhancing environmental assets, and natural and heritage resources; . Ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment; . Contributing to sustainable economic growth, livelihoods and social cohesion; . Providing leadership on climate change action; . Promoting skills development and employment creation by facilitating green and inclusive economic growth; and . Creating a better South Africa and a better world by advancing national environmental interests through a global sustainable development agenda.