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Examples of the roles that environment ministries are expected to play in policy making

PNG: Department of Environment and Conservation

Responsibilities

Coordinating: coordination required with NDA, Ministry of Forestry, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the negotiation in environment related international forum, de facto coordination with Department of Minerals and Petroleum (DMP) though not successful

Monitoring: mining related monitoring is by DMP

Awareness: environmental education, awareness campaign etc.

PNG has comprehensive environmental legislation, but it has not been well implemented.

Possible weakness / strength of the environment ministry, department or unit

• Lack of authority/influence on policy making e.g. mining sector decision.
  
  
• Lack of authority for enforcement e.g. mining sector
  
  
• Lack of financial/human resources e.g. budget allocation for DEC in 1996 was 0.3% of total government budget.
  
  
• Conflict of interest with other ministry. Department of Minerals and Petroleum (DMP) is responsible for monitoring the operations of the sector with respect to the impact on the environment and environment safeguards. DEC do not have much influence on their decision.