Environmental Conservation Law, 2012 (Myanmar)
The objectives of the Environmental Conservation Law of Myanmar include:
- Enabling the country to implement the Myanmar National Environmental Policy.
- Laying down the basic principles and giving guidance for systematic integration of environmental conservation for sustainable development.
- Creating a healthy and clean environment and conserving natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
- Reclaiming ecosystems which are starting to degenerate and disappear.
- Managing the decrease and loss of natural resources to enable sustainable use, among others.
The Law forms the Environmental Conservation Committee and defines its powers. It likewise defines the powers of the Environmental Conservation Ministry. The Law mandates that if the Committee is aware that an event of environmental emergency has occurred or may occur in the entire Myanmar or any Region or State or any area, it shall immediately report to the Union Government so as to declare the occurrence of such event. The Law also empowers the Ministry to stipulate environmental quality standards, including suitable surface water quality standards for different bodies of water, atmospheric quality standards, noise and vibration standards, emission standards, effluent standards and solid waste standards, among others. It also contains provisions on environmental conservation, management of the environment, and conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. Finally, the law provides for the requirement of securing insurance against possible environmental impact, as well as specifies prohibitions, offences and penalties.