Namibia’s Environmental Assessment framework : the evolution of policy and practice

Namibia is the last African country to have gained independence from colonial rule. It has inherited a weak, skewed, resource-based economy and an administrative and regulatory framework that reflects a colonialist approach to management and planning. A century of unsustainable practice has resulted in environmental degradation and opportunity costs. The challenges facing the current generation include democratising decision making, protecting the country's fragile ecosystems, and institutionalising an approach towards planning that promotes sustainable development. It is widely recognised that environmental assessment is a useful planning tool in promoting sustainable development. Namibia's first post-colonial government has embarked upon an ambitious programme to institutionalise environmental assessments at all levels of development planning. To this end a fiveyear participatory process has culminated in the development of legislation that encompasses what could be to be one of the region's most innovative approaches to development planning. The Environmental Management Act provides for a comprehensive system of environmental assessment at both a project and at a strategic level that is binding both on the state and on private individuals.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Figueira, M., Tarr, P.
Format:	Report biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	1999-09
Subjects:	Environmental assessment,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/684
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