President Mohamed Muizzu has decided to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and transfer its responsibilities to the Environment Ministry.
The environmental protection watchdog was created on December 18, 2008 under a special decree from former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Multiple sources confirmed Muizzu's decision to abolish the agency.
“To find ways to shorten and expedite the environmental assessment process for projects and amend rules and regulations to expedite development projects and gazette them before July 10,” read a notice sent from the government's Dhuveli portal.
EPA is an independent scientific, regulatory and enforcement agency advised by a governing board. The head of the agency is Ibrahim Naeem.
Adhadhu understands that a complete EIA was not conducted for the reclamation of the industrial area in Noonu Velidhoo.
The work was launched to coincide with Muizzu's visit to the island. Sources say the government had been considering restricting the powers of the EIA for some time.
- Declare and manage protected areas and species in accordance with the provisions of the Environment Law.
- Guidelines and standards of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that is required before the implementation of any project that may have an impact on the environment of the Maldives.
- Valuation of the environment in order to compensate any loss to the environment.
- Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations by private and government entities and take necessary measures.
Meanwhile, the rules on EIA process have also been changed today.
Before its formation, the responsibilities of the EPA were previously carried out by the Environmental Research Center and the Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority. The EPA is monitored under the Environment Ministry.
