National Environmental Policy 2002.

The National Environmental Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall goal of the National Environmental Policy is to promote sustainable development and conservation of the environment on a long-term basis to meet the needs of present and future generations, with respect to the right to live in a healthy environment.
This Policy underlines the link between long-term food security strategies and sustainable development of natural resources and environment. Measures will be taken on water quality standards to provide safe drinking water.
The Policy addresses cross-sectoral environmental management in some areas such as land use, forest, wildlife, protected areas, energy conservation and efficiency, toxic and hazardous substances, chemicals used in agriculture and forestry, waste management and sanitation, marine and coastal management, mining and mineral resources, noise and air pollution and water resources. Particularly the policy seeks to integrate environmental considerations in sectoral, structural, regional, and socio-economic planning at all levels. Ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the functioning of the biosphere will be protected. Furthermore biodiversity conservation will be ensured by protecting flora, fauna, their biological communities and habitats against harmful impacts and environmental degradation. Land assessment and evaluation will be promoted for effective land-use planning as well as for soil conservation. Forest protection measures will be taken with an emphasis on rainforests. Capacity building will be enhanced in management and conservation of forest and wildlife. Endangered species of fauna and flora as well as forest reserves used for scientific, recreational and other cultural purposes will be protected. Sustainable management and conservation of the marine environment will be ensured to promote sustainable use of marine ecosystem and safeguard human health for social-economic development of marine resources. Best technologies and practices will be conducted for mining activities to protect the environment.
The participation of the civil society, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and private sector in the proper management of the environment will be promoted. Effective involvement of women and youth in natural resource policy formulation, planning, decision making and program implementation will be encouraged. A Land Reform Commission will be established to secure land tenure. Programs will be implemented to protect benefits of the most disadvantaged groups, as well as to reduce poverty for environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources. Professional bodies, trade unions, marketing associations, student organizations, and local communities will be involved in environmental awareness raising programs.
Economic growth will be achieved within sustainable use and sound management of natural resources. To this end, environmentally friendly, socially acceptable and economically viable technologies will be developed and disseminated for efficient use of natural resources. A resource inventory and environmental accounting will be established for accurate environmental monitoring. Environmental education and awareness will be enhanced among all levels to ensure a sound management of resources and the environment. An environmental quality control program will be implemented by requiring prior environmental impact assessments for all investments that would be deemed to affect the quality of the environment. Precautionary measures will be taken for pollution control and the importation and use of potentially toxic chemicals. Pollution control will become more efficient by the application of the 'user pays' and 'polluter pays' principles. In addition phytosanitary measures will be taken against chemicals used in agriculture and forestry. In order to ensure a clean environment, waste reduction, waste sorting and recycling will be encouraged in urban and industrial areas. Standards will be set for gas emissions to avoid air pollution.
A fully organized mechanism will be set for monitoring and evaluation in coordination and collaboration with all relevant government agencies, donors and non-governmental organizations. A professional agency will be developed within the country to supervise, coordinate, implement and enforce procedures and legislation essential for safeguarding the environment and maintenance of sound ecological systems.