Tuvalu

Environmental Protection Act (Revised edition, CAP. 30.25)

Legislative

Law

Passed in 2008

The Act provides an overarching legislative framework for environmental protection and sustainable development. It specifically addresses pollution, Tuvalu's obligations under international law, environmental impacts, biodiversity and natural resources, and waste management. It enables the appointment of a Director of Environment and Environment Officers and outlines the process by which the Minister, from time to time, may convene a National Environmental Forum for the purposes of considering any environment-related matter of national importance and providing advice back to the Minister. It states that all persons and agencies with responsibilities under the Act are to apply the precautionary principle.

The Act includes a short section on ‘Responses to Climate Change', which states that each Kaupule (the island council or executive branch of the Falekaupule, the traditional assembly of elders present on each island of Tuvalu), in conjunction with other Departments and relevant international agencies, and through the involvement of the community, shall formulate, apply and implement strategies and programmes to:
- Raise the level of understanding throughout the world about the implications of climate change, and activities which contribute to climate change, on Tuvalu and the future of its people;
- Promote understanding about the causes and implications of climate change;
- Address the effects of climate change within Tuvalu on its water resources, coastal areas, lands and land usage, food security, biodiversity, fisheries, economic welfare, public infrastructure and its vulnerability to natural disasters;
- Implement programmes and facilitate projects to protect its water resources, coastal areas, mangroves, lands, biodiversity, fisheries and public infrastructure, and to contribute to the health well-being and livelihoods of Tuvaluans; and
- Participate in international conventions and forums with a view to obtaining the fullest possible assistance to address the implications of climate change and undertake adaptation initiatives.

Any regulations made under the Act (such as the above Environment Protection (Environment Impact Assessment) Regulations) may provide for any matter associated with the response to climate change, including the protection and conservation of fresh water, drought prevention and response, and public infrastructure.

Documents

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