Environmental laws at Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect its environment and natural resources. Key components of this framework include:
Environment Act 2000: This Act provides the foundation for environmental protection in PNG, emphasizing the preservation of traditional social structures, maintenance of clean water sources, protection of biodiversity, recognition of landowners' roles in resource development, and promotion of sustainable economic development. It sets out environmental objectives, general duties, and procedures for environmental impact assessments.
Environmental Contaminants Act 1978: This Act governs the prevention, abatement, and control of environmental contamination, aligning with the National Goals and Directive Principles of the Constitution. It defines environmental contaminants and empowers inspectors to enter premises to address environmental harm.
Climate Change (Management) Act 2016: This Act establishes a regulatory framework for climate change mitigation and adaptation, aiming to promote climate-compatible development. It led to the creation of the Climate Change and Development Authority, responsible for implementing PNG's obligations under international climate agreements.
Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority Act 2014: This Act led to the establishment of the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA), which oversees environmental conservation and protection efforts in PNG.
Marine Pollution Acts & Regulations: PNG has enacted several laws to prevent marine pollution, including the Marine Pollution (Ships & Installations) Act 2013 and related regulations. These laws are enforced by the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), which is responsible for maritime safety and marine pollution prevention.
National Sustainable Land Use Policy: This policy aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of land and its resources. It addresses land use planning, agricultural production, water security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, waste management, forest conservation, fisheries management, rural development, and environmental protection.
Protected Areas Bill: In May 2024, PNG passed the Protected Areas Bill, marking a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation. This legislation allows traditional landowners to have greater control over and benefit from conservation efforts, recognizing that 98% of PNG land is owned by customary landowners.
Waigani Convention: PNG is a signatory to the Waigani Convention, a treaty that bans the export of hazardous or radioactive waste to Pacific Island countries and regulates the transboundary movement and management of such waste within the region. The convention entered into force in 2001.
Recent Developments: In March 2024, the Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill was introduced, proposing significant increases in penalties for environmental offenses. If enacted, maximum penalties for Tier 1 offenses would rise to $2 million for individuals and $10 million for corporations, reflecting a strengthened commitment to environmental protection.
These laws and policies collectively demonstrate PNG's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, balancing development needs with ecological preservation.
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