Decree - Law No. 26/2012, Establishing the Environmental Basic Legislation (Timor-Leste)
The law provides the framework for environmental policy and the principles for environmental conservation and protection, as well as the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Its objectives include:
- Reducing stress on the environmental throughout the life-cycle of natural resources.
- Improving the environmental performance of public and private bodies.
- Ensuring the existence and effectiveness of environmental assessment mechanisms.
- Creation of knowledge and awareness among the population about the importance and value of biodiversity, environmental components and the need for sustainable use.
The law specifically mandates compliance with the following guiding principles:
- Sovereignty principle
- Intergenerational solidarity
- Prevention principle
- Precautionary principle
- Participatory principle
- Polluter pays principle
- International cooperation principle
- Integration principle
- Principle of seeking the most appropriate level of action
It specifically recognizes Tara Bandu, an integral custom of Timor-Leste culture which may be applied in accordance with rituals-based local common law and are intended to conserve and promote the environment. The law also sets out the rights and duties of national citizens, as well as provides for environmental assessment and licensing, environmental monitoring, mainstreaming and integration of environmental policy, land use planning, and protection, conservation and sustainable use of environmental components.