Environmental Management and Conservation Act, No. 12 of 2002, Consolidated 2004 (Vanuatu)

The Environment Management and Conservation Act provides for the conservation, sustainable development and management of the environment of Vanuatu. The Act establishes the Environmental Registry, which must contain all records relating to environmental impact assessment documentation, applications, permits and approvals required under the Act, regulations, standards, guidelines or code of environmental practice established under the Act, national reports, policies and plans, registered Community Conservation Areas, international environment and conservation treaties and instruments, and other matters prescribed by regulation. The Act mandates the preparation of a National State and Environment Report, at least once every 10 years, which shall essentially include an assessment of the state of the environment and natural resources, development trends impacting on the environment and relevant policies, programs and initiatives. It also directs the preparation of such policies and plans determined by the Minister to be necessary for conservation, sustainable development and management of the environment. It identifies activities subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. It likewise establishes the Biodiversity Advisory Council which shall be responsible for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.