Chapter 504

In short

This law, called the Environment and Development Planning Act, aims to protect the environment and manage development through planning. It establishes an authority with powers to achieve these goals.

What it regulates

• The protection of the environment.
• The planning and management of development.
• The establishment and powers of an authority for environment and development planning.
• Matters connected to or ancillary to environmental protection and development planning.

Who it concerns

• Any person involved in development or activities affecting the environment.
• The Government, through its agencies and the Minister responsible for the environment.

Key points

• The Act defines "environment" broadly, including air, water, land, atmosphere, organic and inorganic matter, living organisms, ecosystems, and landscape.
• "Development permission" is required for carrying out development, granted by the Authority.
• "Pollution" is defined as the direct or indirect introduction by man or natural processes of substances, organisms, genetic material, or energy that cause or are likely to cause harm to human health, living resources, ecosystems, or damage amenities.
• The "precautionary principle" is a guiding principle, meaning measures are taken to protect the environment and ensure sustainable management even without absolute scientific proof.