Ministerial Conference on
Environment and Development
in Asia and the Pacific 2000
Kitakyushu, Japan 31 August - 5 September 2000
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National Environment Units
and Agencies
American Samoa Coastal Management Programme Economic and Development Planning Office l.peau@ocean.nos.noaa.gov Authority for Project Notification and Review System, an interagency panel to review development projects in American Samoa for compliance with Federal and Territorial laws and regulations. Permits are required for new projects. Deals with pollutioin by untreated sewage, petroleum products or other pollutants or hazardous material; removing sand except form designated sites, public education. Enforcement 4 officers. American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Governor Pago Pago 97699 Requires National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits for all discharges. Regulations on septic tanbks, pesticides, soil erosion, litter and solid waste disposal, prohibits discharge of oil or hazardous substances from boats. Enforcement of pollution problems, solid waste hotline, water quality violation enforcement, erosion control regulations, plans, dredging. Le Vaomatua NGO environmental guardian, education. The Environment Division. PO Box 371, Rarotonga Rarotonga. Downsized from 18 personnel in 1995 to 7 in 1998. Priority activity is establishing Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Rarotonga. Previous activities in monitoring, wildlife conservation and pollution now left to other organizations. Ministry of Tourism and Transport PO Box 61, Rarotonga Development and management of Rarotonga harbours, including enforcement of regulations controlling pollution and dumping in these areas. Taporoporoanga Ipukarea Society Incorporated P.O. Box 649, Rarotonga. Environmental NGO. Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project PO Box 781, Rarotonga Biodiversity NGO with database on natural resources of the Cook Islands. The Department of Environment (DOE) superseded the Environmental Management Unit in 1993. Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment. This Ministry also includes the Department of Town and Country Planning which plans sustainable development of Fiji’s urban area. PO Box 2131, Government Buildings, Suva. Eight permanent staff and eight temporary aid funded posts. High staff turnover has impeded work programmes to:
Environmental Impact Assessments have been carried out on numerous projects, including shipping, sewage plants, gravel extraction, coral harvesting, resort development, and foreshore reclamation. EIAs are not required for government projects. National Trust for Fiji. PO Box 2089, Government Buildings, Suva nationaltrust@is.com.fj Advances the conservation and preservation of Fiji’s heritage. It advises Government on conservation and environment issues and administers National Parks and Reserves. Fiji Dive Operators Association. PO Box 264 seafijidive@is.com.fj NGO of tourism-based dive operators campaigns for conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment, carries out local research and education projects and hold awareness workshops. The Fiji Hotel Association 42 Gorrie St. Suva. Special interest lobby and information source for the hotel industry. It is concerned with how hotels and resorts impact the natural assets central to their appeal. World Wide fund for Nature (WWF) Partnerships in Conservation and Development Project. Private Mail Bag 4 Ma’afu Street, Domain, Suva. wwfspp@is.com.fj International NGO. Facilitates conservation effectiveness by identifying, promoting and networking communities, NGOs and government departments. Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific (FSP). PO Box 14447 Suva. NGO concerned with conservation issues in Fiji, especially with alternative sources of income to ease reliance on natural resources. Coastal Zone Management Program, Bureau of Planning PO Box 2950 Agana 96932 mham@kuentos.guam.net Funded by the Federal Government, the programme is a network of six agencies that carry out permitting, monitoring and enforcement. There are eight professional staff that coordinate development and environmental issues between Government of Guam agencies, government and private sector interests, and between Government of Guam and Federal agencies.
Guam Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 22439 GMF, Barrigada 96921. Manages and implements the territorial government’s policies relating to environmental quality. The agency’s activities includes:
Division of Aquatic & Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture PO Box 2950, Agana 96923. Management and conservation of marine, freshwater and land-based wildlife resources. Part of the permit review process, the division issues permits for importation of life animals. Guam Territorial Seashore Protection Commission, Department of Land Management PO Box 2950, Agana 96932. The seashore reserve consists of all the land and water area of Guam extending seaward to the 10 fathom contour and inland for 10 meters or the nearest public right of way. This includes all islands within the Government’s jurisdiction. Any development must obtain the Commission’s approval as a part of the permit process of government agencies. Ministry of Environment and Social Development PO Box 234, Bikenibeu, Tarawa Formed in 1995 to manage the environment and provide protection of all natural resources through the Environment Unit. The Coastal Zone Management Sub-Committee is chaired by the Environment Unit Coordinator. Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Develoment PO Box 75, Bairiki, Tarawa The Central Land Planning Board regulates all developments in Kiribati. The Physical Planning Unit of the Lands and Survey Division formulates land use policies. An Urban Planning Section plays an important role in environmental management and planning. Foundation for the People of the South Pacific (FPSP) PO Box 43, Bairiki, Tarawa. Environmental NGO working to improve the general health and life of the public. Atoll Research Programme PO Box 101, Bairiki, Tarawa. Part of the University of the South Pacific, the programme encourages research in sustainable development of atoll environments. Wildlife Conservation Unit, Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands London, Kiritimati, Line Islands Protection of Kiritimati’s wildlife. Eliminated feral cats and other introduced species. Each island has an individual council that oversee and regulate development activities and resource use on the islands. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ministry of Health Services PO Box 1322, Majuro 96960 Five member board with four members from Majoro and one from Ebeye. A total staff of 11, down from an earlier peak of 15. One full time public education officer, two environmental specialists, two water specialists, and a health inspector.
Regulations on earthmoving activities and shoreline construction are generally ignored. Water quality monitoring activities have detected faecal coliform levels above safe limits from 1986 until the present. Coastal Management Office, Majuro Atoll Local Government PO Box 796 Majuro 96960 Part of an Interagency Coastal Management Project Working Group to bring together diverse aspects of Coastal Zone Management including public education, scientific studies, government policies and procedures and local participation. A GIS system is used to update the available maps of the atoll lagoon circulation and water quality classification and coastal zone activities. The project has linked economic values to the environmental systems of the coastal zone. Federated States of Micronesia FSM Department of Economic Affairs PO Box PS 12, Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941 fsmrd@mail.fm Responsible for marine resources, coastal resources management and providing technical advice and support to the state governments that also have coastal resource management responsibilities. Phonpei Environmental Protection Agency Post Office, Pohnpei, FM 96941 Permitting process for any construction or development within the coastal zone. The Agency reviews environmental impact statements, monitors water quality and is involved with pollution control and cleanup. For information on the Pohnpei Conservation Area, click here. Pohnpei Department of Resources Management and Development PO Box 562, Pohnpei, FM 96941 dirrnd@mail.fm Responsible for Pohnpei’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries activities. Chuuk Environmental Protection Agency PO Box 189, Weno, Chuuk, FM 96942 Yap State Environmental Protection Agency PO Box 178, FM 96943 With 10 staff members, the Agency has a permitting process for construction or development within the coastal zone. It reviews environmental impact assessments and issues permits for construction and development and monitors water quality. Department of Island Development and Industry Yaren, Naru Divisions include Airlines, Culture and Tourism, Telecommunicaitons, Lands and Survey, and Environment. The Environment Division is responsible for the protection of Naru’s natural environment. Directorate of Natural Resources BP 3718 98846 Noumea CEDEX Responsible for the work of the South Province in the management of terrestrial and marine spaces; protection of the terrestrial and marine environment and the general management, exploitation and preservation of all natural resources falling within the Province’s jurisdiction. 61 permanent officers. The Environment Service has responsibility for the protection and rehabilitation of the natural heritage and countryside. It defines management measures for sustainable utilisation of natural resources as well as of ecosystems. There is also a Water Management Service and the Parks and Reserves Service. Department of the Environment and Management of Parks and Reserves (Directorate of Rural Development) BP 2386 Noumea CEDEX. Fifteen officers. Responsible for the preservation of the Province’s natural heritage and of the environment; fresh water, hunting and fishing, issuing permits, monitoring compliance with regulations, management of protected areas on land, study of endemic fauna, supervision of foreign scientists, popularisation and public awareness. Environment Unit, Community Affairs Office PO Box 77, Alofi Coordinates environmental management in Niue, with responsibility for environmental policy making and evaluation of projects. Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Management Division. AAA 2852 Box 1001, Saipan 96950 Oversees development of the coastal zone and any major projects on land that have the potential to affect coastal resources. An environmental impact statement is required in every major siting application package. The office has 14 staff members. The Board of Directors has six members: Secretary, Department of Commerce; Secretary, Department of Lands and Natural Resources; Executive Director, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation; Historical Preservation Officer; Director, Division of Environmental Quality; and Secretary, Department of Public Works. The Board reviews development applications, creates appropriate permit conditions, and makes the decision on permit issuance. The enforcement section monitors compliance with permit conditions. Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Quality PO Box 1304, Saipan, MP 96950 The Division develops and administers standards, regulations and permits concerning the discharge of pollutants to the air, land, water, wetlands and submerged lands. There are 20 staff members in seven sections; Administrative, Wastewater/Earth-moving and Erosion Control, Above-ground and Underground Storage Tank, and Pesticide Management, Air and Toxic Waste Management, Non-Point Source Pollution/Marine Monitoring, Safe Drinking Water and Environmental Surveillance Laboratory. DEQ formed an interagency Marine Monitoring Team with staff from DEQ, CRM, DFW and Northern Marianas College to monitor near-shore coral reef ecosystems. It is collecting data on sedimentation rates, nutrient levels, coral and algae cover and fish communities. Environmental Quality Protection Board PO Box 10, Koror 96940 A statutory body to ensure the following national policies are followed:
The EQPB regulates and monitors all earth-moving activities, water quality, potable water use, marine monitoring, sewage and solid waste managemnt and disposal, pesticide use and EIA and EIS. Bureau of Natural Resources and Development PO Box 100, Koror 96940 Is the government agency responsible for planning, coordination and promulgation of Palau’s regulations relating to development and management of natural resources. Department of Environment and Conservation PO Box 6601, Boroko With a total workforce of 233 staff, the DEC is divided into the; Minister’s Office; Secretary’s Office; Policy and Planning Section; Finance and Administrative Division; Environment Division; Environment Planning and Assessment Section; Mine Monitoring Section; Environment Protection Section; Nature Conservation Division; Species management Section; Resource Inventory Section; Crocodile Monitoring Unit; and national Parks Section. PNG’s 19 provincial governments are all involved in resource and land development and management activities. Each provincial government is structured individually. Environment Delegation BP 4562 Papeete The Environment Delegation under the French Ministry of the Environment, manages the natural and human environment and recommends and defines the necessary components for the implementation of a consistent environmental policy and especially;
The 14 officers are divided into five divisions; the Office for the Prevention of Polution and Nuisances; the Water Office; the Nature, Landscapes and Developments Office; the Legal Affairs and Regional Co-Operation Office; and the Information, Education and Training Office. Division of Environment and Conservation Private Bag, Apia The Division of Environment and Conservation has two sections; Environmental Management, Planning and Education; and Biodiversity, National Parks and Reserves. DEC supervises environmental management activities of other departments, monitors and controls coastal pollution and the effects of climate change on key coastal ecosystems and oversees natural resource management. It is responsible for the management of parks and reserves. The Uafato Conservation Area. For detailed information of this GEF/SPREP conservation area, click here. Ministry of Forest, Environment and Conservation PO Box G24, Honiara The Environment and Conservation Division coordinates the implementation of the National Environment Management Strategy. The newly passed Environment Act requires Environmental Impact Assessments, integrated coastal zone planning. Changes to the government structure are still in progress. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Office of the Faipule Tokelau Apia Liaison Office PO Box 865, Apia, Samoa The Department of Natural Resources and Environment deals with all matters relating the country’s environment. Two of the seven staff members deal with environmental issues. Environmental Planning Unit Ministry of Lands, survey and Natural Resources The Environmental Planning Unit has six professional staff and is responsible for most environmental issues. It is the coordinating body responsible to the Interdepartmental Environment Committee made up of the ministries of Lands, Surveys and Natural Resources; Health; Foreign Affairs; Agriculture and Forestry; Fisheries; Works; Labour, Commerce and Industries; the Central Planning Department; and the Tonga Visitors’ Bureau. The EPU has a regular radio programme and publishes articles in the newspapers on environment. Each year it hosts Tonga’s Environmental Awareness Week. A Marine Parks Management Authority was established in 1996 to administer the Kingdom’s marine parks. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Vaiaku, Funafuti The Environment Unit focuses on the environment in general while the Department of Fisheries handles flora and fauna in the marine environment and the Department of Agriculture deals with terrestrial plants and animals. The Ministry has carried out EIAs in relation to development projects but these are not done in relation to overseas funded projects (unless the development agency funding the projects do the EIAs). The Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme assists with building national capacity to implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The National coordinator and a country team of 13 different ministries and sectors completed a Greenhouse Gas Inventory, a Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment. Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development Vaiaku, Funafuti Deals with all issues related to village development and village by-laws that regulate resource use. Funafuti Conservation Area Unit, Funafuti Town Council Vaiuku, Funafuti This conservation area is a NGO under the Funafuti Island Council and is funded by SPREP. This is the first marine park in Tuvalu and is expected to expand to the outer islands in the future. All residents on the island are expected to help look after the park. It is operated under a by-law of the Funafuti maneapa. For more on this project click here. The Environment Unit, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Private Bag 063, Port Vila The Environment Unit has a diverse range of responsibilities extending from terrestrial resources to coastal and offshore marine resources. The Unit coordinates all activities across sectors, government agencies, NGOs and the private sector that deal with environmental matters; it also provides technical advice and specialist attention on environmental matters. The objectives are:
Land Use Planning Office Department of Lands and Surveys The Land Use Planning Office coordinates the application of the Vanuatu Natural Resource Information System to integrate land planning activities between all ministries and the communities of Vanuatu. See VLUPO.rtf for additional information. Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific PO Box 951, Port Vila, Vanuatu FSP International is the Regional Pacific Network for the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific independent affiliates. Its board has representatives from each of the 10 FSP affiliates which include FSP/PNG, FSP/Kiribati; FSP/UK; Australian Foundation for Asia and Pacific; FSP/Vanuatu; FSP/FIJI; FSP/Tonga Trust; and FSP/USA. FSP International coordinates regional development programmes, communications and technical assistance for and between the independent FSP affiliates. Vatthe Conservation Area Project The Vatthe Conservation Area Project covers an area of 4470 ha of forest on Big Bay, Santo. It has funding assistance from the GEF and UNDP via SPREP. For additional information click here. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries BP 19 Mata Utu, 98600 Uvea. The director is responsible for the implementation of agricultural, forestry, development, country planning and fisheries policies. He is at the disposal of the Minister in charge of the environment within the jurisdiction of the French Ministry of the Environment.
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