INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND MECHANISMS FOR INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INTO DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: SUVA

Contents

List of abbreviations

Introduction

A. Study objectives

B. Methodology

C. Principal findings

I. Review of environmental and development trends related to urbanization

A. Suva: geographic outline

B. Economic activities in the Suva area

C. Commercial and industrial activities in the Suva area

D. Development policies and future perspective

1. Policies for Suva

2. Suva town planning scheme and zoning provisions

3. Central government effort to decentralize urban development

E. Institutional arrangements for decision-making and development planning at national and local government levels

1. Central national government administration

2. Local government and administration region of Suva

II. Environmental implications of growth and development in Suva

A. Loss of coastal resources and land reclamation problems

B. Loss of arable land

C. Waste disposal and pollution

1. Refuse disposal

2. Hazardous waste disposal

3. Wastewater and sewerage

4. Litter

5. Air pollution

6. Noise pollution

III. Existing institutions and measures for integrating environmental concerns  into development planning and decision-making for Suva city

A. Institutional arrangements for environmental management

B. Interface between national and local level government

C. Environmental administration in Suva

1. SCC Department of Health Services

2. Environmental planning

3. Public involvement in urban planning

D. Horizontal and vertical coordinating mechanisms among agencies within Suva, and with national planning agencies/departments

E. National government agencies that have an impact on the Suva environment

1. Department of the Environment

2. Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and the Environment

3. Department of Lands and Surveys

4. Ministry of Health

5. Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport

6. Fiji Trade and Investment Board

7. Ad hoc environmental coordinating committees

F. Measures used to achieve stated environmental policies at the urban level

1. Command and control

2. Use of Environmental Impact Assessments

G. Technical criteria, guidelines and standards for urban pollution control

1. Criteria and guidelines and standards under the Sustainable Development Act.

2. Overall assessment of the effectiveness of urban environmental legislation in Fiji

H. Economic incentives and the urban environment

1. Providing incentives for industries that self-regulate

2. Public awareness and the urban environment

3. Education

IV. Assessment of the integration of urban environmental measures into development planning

V. Case study on environmental management in Suva: anti-litter decree

A. Litter problem in Fiji: an outline

B. Government measures for dealing with the litter problem

1. Anti-litter Decree, 1991

2. Enforcement problems and the Anti-Litter Decree

3. Amendments to the Anti-litter Decree

4. Public awareness efforts in support of the Anti-Litter Act

5. Enforcement and effectiveness of the Anti-Litter Act

C. Contribution of experiences to environmental enhancement

List of tables

1. Demographic trends in Suva, 1966-1996

2. Average annual population growth rate of the Suva area compared with Fiji total

3.  Fiji manufacturing employment, 1986 - 1996

4. Business licences issued by Suva City Council, classified by economic activity

Top