This Act makes provision for the protection of the environment, in particular of water resources, air and soil, in Papua New Guinea, establishes the Environment Council, defines functions and powers of the Director of Environment and provides for other matters relating to administration in relation with the provision of this Act.
The Act specifies at the outset its objectives and how these objectives shall be achieved. It also defines matters of national importance in relation with the environment and a general environmental duty and prohibits the causing of environmental harm. The Act defines powers of the Minister but assigns the function of administration of this Act to the Director of Environment and the Environment Council. An Environment Consultative Group shall advise the Council on environmental policies. A provincial Law may provide for the establishment of a Provincial Environment Committee. The Minister, acting on the recommendation of the Council, may recommend Environment Policies to the National Executive Council, in accordance with the procedures set out in this Act. The Minister or the Director may issue Environmental Codes of Practice.
The Act further provides, among other things for: environmental permits, environment impact assessment, environmental improvement plans, rights in relation with water and in particular the right of the public to take water, rights of an owner or occupier of land near a watercourse, acquisition of land for public purposes in relation with waterworks and the control of use of water, authorization of investigations of water resources, protection of water resources and measures against drought, enforcement of provisions of this Act and offences. An Environmental Protection Trust Fund may be established by Regulations.