Amendment to Protected Areas Network and Micronesia Challenge (RPPL 7-42 of 2008).

This Act concerns the Protected Areas Network (PAN) created by RPPL No. 6-39 and inclusion in the network of protected areas created at state level. It sets up the Protected Areas Network Fund, and the assigns management and administration of the PAN to the Minister of Resources and Development, in consultation with the PAN Management Committee. The Fund shall serve as the Finance Trustee Corporation for the PAN.
The Minister of Resources and Development, or his or her designee, with the approval of state government officials, shall designate areas under a set of uniform categories, that encompass a range of management purposes and uses for the sole purpose of an area's designation within the PAN. Funding and technical assistance to states may include, but is not limited to: (a) management of PAN sites; (b) enforcement of environmental laws and regulations affecting PAN sites; (c) general environmental management and planning at the state level; and (d) sustainable development of PAN sites that is compatible with the category of the protected area as set forth in Section 3403 in order for citizens of respective states to realize economic benefits from the designation of sites as protected areas. The Minister shall also, among other things, develop a system-wide and sustainable development management plan and establish the PAN Management Committee.
The Act also sets out powers and duties of each state regarding sites or portions of sites located within their state, provides with respect to regulation-making and enforcement, defined offences and imposes an Environmental Protection Fee on visitors.