Environmental Management and Climate Change Act No. 34 of 2020.

This Act lays down rules for environmental management and protection and climate change, with a focus on sustainable use and development of natural resources, sustainable use and management of land and water, environmental impact assessment, pollution control, management of hazardous and ozone depleting substances, waste management, access and benefit-sharing, food security, coastal zone management, biodiversity management and conservation, conservation of endangered species, resilience to the impacts of climate change, disaster risk management, and public participation in the decision-making processes in the fields of environmental management and protection. The Secretary shall be responsible for the implementation of this Act and submit an annual report to the Minister. The Environmental Conventions and Protocols which Nauru is a party to are listed under Schedule 1 and this Act sets forth provisions in accordance with these conventions and protocols. An Environmental Impact Assessment Committee shall be established for monitoring the development projects. The application for permit for biodiversity prospecting and access shall be evaluated by the Committee. This Act sets forth measures for pollution control and waste management related to water pollution, emission, and discharge of hazardous wastes, chemicals, and oil into the environment. Climate change strategies shall be implemented to protect water resources, coastal areas, land, biodiversity, fisheries and public infrastructure. A Climate Change and Environment Protection Fund shall be established for the conservation of the reef and foreshore, protection of flora and fauna, prevention of coastal erosion, food security, health, soil conservation, ecosystem preservation and pollution control. Furthermore, this Act sets out offences including non-compliance with conditions of permit, offences against authorised officers, and related penalties. To this end, an authorised officer may issue an environmental offence fixed penalty notice on a person who contravenes this Act. The Minister may make an emergency order where a situation poses a serious threat or risk to the environment, in consistency with the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2016.