Environment Proclamation 1996.

This Proclamation establishes the framework for the protection of the environment and the enhancement of sustainable development in Eritrea.
The text is divided into five main parts: General provisions; Establishment of institutions; Basic instruments of environmental protection and sustainable development; management of environmental quality and natural resources; Monitoring, inspection and enforcement.
Article 4 sets out the objectives of the Proclamation. They include the establishment of institutions, the implementation of the National Environment Management Plan, the laying of foundations for an environmental policy, and providing instruments for implementing, monitoring and enforcing the policy. The fundamental principle for the use of natural resources shall be to optimize, rather than maximize, such resources (art. 8). All natural resource management policies, plans or programs shall provide for collaborative management that involves local people (art. 11). Article 12 states the right of every person to a clean environment.