Chapter 4
Discussion
Abstract In this chapter, I will present my interpretation of the various epistemological and ontological dynamics that are present in eThekwini’s green and ecological infrastructure policy landscape. Although these infrastructure types are situated
within the natural landscape, human interaction within this setting, and the ontological views around it, have informed several policies and practices that have evolved
into specific relations among various stakeholders. This means that the environmental landscape, with respect to green and ecological infrastructures, compliments
the policy landscape, and vice versa. As I have shown in Chap. 3, the systemic nature
of the natural landscape has an epistemological influence on the ontological character
and expression of the policy landscape.
Keywords Environmental landscape · Policy landscape · Empirical science ·
Interpretive science
4.1 Introduction
This chapter contains a discussion of the PULSE
3 analysis and its findings. Academic
conceptualisations and pronounced practices in the literature have influenced eThekwini’s epistemological and ontological perceptions of green and ecological infrastructures. The municipality follows a networked approach for its green and ecological infrastructure policy development and projects. What is also noticeable is that
the local government’s approach to these infrastructure types has been influenced
by engineering thinking. This is especially the case where eThekwini combines
green and ecological infrastructures with civil engineering projects, like storm-water
discharge systems and water purification. That said, the City Council of Durban has,
through a deliberate policy measure called D’MOSS, elevated the environment to the
same status as a technological infrastructure at various levels, from localised open
spaces, to the uMngeni Catchment. D’MOSS also exemplifies a networked approach
for the promotion of green infrastructures.
© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license
to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
R. Meissner, eThekwini’s Green and Ecological Infrastructure Policy Landscape,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53051-8_4
235
Discussion
Abstract In this chapter, I will present my interpretation of the various epistemological and ontological dynamics that are present in eThekwini’s green and ecological infrastructure policy landscape. Although these infrastructure types are situated
within the natural landscape, human interaction within this setting, and the ontological views around it, have informed several policies and practices that have evolved
into specific relations among various stakeholders. This means that the environmental landscape, with respect to green and ecological infrastructures, compliments
the policy landscape, and vice versa. As I have shown in Chap. 3, the systemic nature
of the natural landscape has an epistemological influence on the ontological character
and expression of the policy landscape.
Keywords Environmental landscape · Policy landscape · Empirical science ·
Interpretive science
4.1 Introduction
This chapter contains a discussion of the PULSE
3 analysis and its findings. Academic
conceptualisations and pronounced practices in the literature have influenced eThekwini’s epistemological and ontological perceptions of green and ecological infrastructures. The municipality follows a networked approach for its green and ecological infrastructure policy development and projects. What is also noticeable is that
the local government’s approach to these infrastructure types has been influenced
by engineering thinking. This is especially the case where eThekwini combines
green and ecological infrastructures with civil engineering projects, like storm-water
discharge systems and water purification. That said, the City Council of Durban has,
through a deliberate policy measure called D’MOSS, elevated the environment to the
same status as a technological infrastructure at various levels, from localised open
spaces, to the uMngeni Catchment. D’MOSS also exemplifies a networked approach
for the promotion of green infrastructures.
© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license
to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
R. Meissner, eThekwini’s Green and Ecological Infrastructure Policy Landscape,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53051-8_4
235