LEX-FAOC012267

This Act consists of 53 sections divided into 10 Chapters and an interpretation section.; Chapter I sets out in detail the national environmental management principles that shall apply throughout the Republic to the actions of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment. Chapter II makes provision with respect to environmental institutions: a National Environmental Advisory Forum is established under section 3 and a Committee for Environmental coordination under section 7. The Forum, which consists of at least 12 but not more than 15 members appointed by the Minister, shall inform the Minister of the views of stakeholders (not defined) regarding the application of the principles set out in section 2 and advise the Minister on any matter concerning environmental management and governance (sect. 4). The Committee is responsible for the promotion of the integration and coordination of environmental functions by the relevant organs of state, and in particular the promotion of the achievement of the purpose and objectives of environmental implementation plans and environmental management plans as set out in section 12. In Chapter III the procedures for environmental cooperative governance are outlined. The Chapter provides for environmental management plans to be reviewed by the Committee and other decision-making procedures within the administration. Chapter IV provides means for resolution of disputes between public bodies involved in environmental decision-making. The purpose of Chapter V is to promote the application of appropriate environmental management tools in order to ensure the integrated environmental management" of activities. It defines the objectives of such management and provides for its implementation in sections 23 and 24. Chapter VI concerns international obligations and agreements