This Act lays down the basic principles and rules of environment protection in the Maldives. Environmental guidance shall be provided by the government bodies concerned (sect. 2). The Ministry of Planning, Human Resources and Environment shall be responsible for formulating policies, as well as rules and regulations regarding the environment in areas that do not already have a designated government authority to carry out such functions (sect. 3). The same Ministry shall be responsible for identifying protected areas and natural reserves and for drawing up the necessary rules and regulations for their protection and preservation (sect. 4). An impact assessment study shall be submitted to the Ministry before implementing any development project that may have a potentially impact on the environment (sect. 5). The Ministry of Planning, Human Resources and Environment has the authority to terminate any project that has an undesirable impact on the environment (sect. 6). Section 7 and 8 concern the prevention and reduction of pollution. Section 9 prescribes offences and penalties. (11 sections)