Environment Management Act 2010 (No. 27 of 2010).

This Act provides for the protection of the environment of Tonga. The Act, among other things, provides for the coordination of the role of Government in relation to all environmental management, including climate change issues, and decision-making processes. It appoints the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as the Ministry for purposes of this Act. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change shall be responsible for the administration of this Act. There shall also be a Director for Environment and Climate Change. The Act defines functions and powers of the Ministry and powers of the Director. The functions of the Minister shall include matters relating to: (a) climate change; (b) ozone depletion; (c) the movement or disposal of hazardous wastes and chemicals; (d) desertification and drought relief; (e) the preservation of wetlands and the management and protection of coastal areas; (f) the conservation of endangered species; (g) the preservation of biological diversity, including management of living modified organisms; and (h) aspects of the environmental management of international waters. The Director shall be an Environment Officer for the purposes of this Act. The Minister may appoint other Environment Officers. Environment Officers may, among other things, issue a Precautionary Notice in respect of an activity, matter or thing may be impacting upon the environment. Any person who disagrees with a decision of a Director or an Environment Officer may appeal to the Minister.