Environmental laws at Nicaragua
Nicaragua has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect and manage its environment and natural resources. Central to this framework is Law No. 217, known as the General Law on the Environment and Natural Resources, which was enacted in 2023. This law aims to set rules for the conservation, protection, improvement, and restoration of the environment and its natural resources, ensuring their rational and sustainable use in accordance with Nicaragua's Constitution.
Key Environmental Legislation:
General Law on the Environment and Natural Resources (Law No. 217): Enacted in 2023, this law establishes regulations for environmental conservation and sustainable resource use.
Logging Moratorium Law: Passed in 2005, this law imposes a 10-year ban on new permits for cutting mahogany, cedar, pochote, and mangrove trees to combat illegal logging.
Forest Policy: This policy aims to prevent deforestation and degradation of forests, restore the rights of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and rural communities, and promote sustainable forest management.
International Commitments:
Escazú Agreement: Nicaragua ratified this regional agreement in March 2020. The agreement focuses on access to information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters, aiming to ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.
Marine Biodiversity Protection: In 2020, Nicaragua ratified a UN regional agreement on marine biodiversity, committing to protect, preserve, and sustainably manage marine areas and species within its jurisdiction.
Environmental Challenges:
Environmental health risks impose a significant burden on Nicaragua's economy, amounting to approximately 2.4% of the country's GDP. These risks result in premature deaths and infections, especially among children under five, with over a million annual cases of diarrhea attributed to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Water Resources Management:
The legal framework for water resources management in Nicaragua includes the National Water Law of 2007, which regulates water use across different sectors, prioritizing potable water supplies for domestic use. The law also led to the establishment of the National Water Authority (ANA), responsible for developing national water resource plans and monitoring water usage.
Conclusion:
Nicaragua's environmental laws and policies reflect a commitment to sustainable resource management and environmental protection. The General Law on the Environment and Natural Resources serves as a foundational element in this effort, supported by additional legislation and international agreements that address various environmental challenges. Ongoing attention to enforcement, public participation, and adaptation to emerging environmental issues remain crucial for the continued advancement of Nicaragua's environmental agenda.
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