Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives, 1993

The Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives mandates concerned government authorities to provide the necessary guidelines and advise on environmental protection in accordance with the prevailing conditions and needs of the country. The Ministry of Planning, Human Resources and Environment (Ministry) are specifically made responsible for identifying protected areas and natural reserves, and for drawing up the necessary rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. The Act further requires an impact assessment study to be submitted to the Ministry before implementing any developing projects that may have a potential impact on the environment. Furthermore, the Ministry has the authority to terminate any project that has any undesirable impact on the environment. It also prohibits the disposal, within the territory of Maldives, of any type of waste, oil, poisonous gas and substance harmful to the environment, as well as any hazardous/toxic or nuclear waste.