Act No. 349 on the establishment of the Ministry of the Environment and making provision in matter of environmental damages.

This Act has been adopted in order to set up the Ministry of the Environment and define its related functions, powers and duties. The Ministry shall ensure, on the basis of an organic framework, the promotion, conservation and restoration of the environment as well as the protection of natural resources against pollution. To this end, the Ministry shall promote and undertake studies, enquiries and research with respect to environmental protection. It shall participate in the drafting of sectorial plans of a national character and having an environmental impact relevance. The Ministry shall also propose the setting up of nature parks and nature reserves at inter-regional level (article 5). Article 10 lists out the different Services to be set up under the Ministry of the Environment, including the Services to be engaged in the prevention of pollution, nature conservation and environmental impact assessment. Article 12 provides for the establishment of the National Council for the Environment. Article 13 deals with environmental protection association of national relevance.