The (draft) National Conservation Bill for November 2013 has now been tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Environment the Honourable Wayne Panton for public and legislative consideration.

The bill, which is now available for public review, was approved by the Cabinet for tabling last Tuesday.

“While the bill is not a panacea for all our environmental concerns, it represents an important, essential step in ensuring the long-term conservation of our fragile island ecosystems and native biodiversity,” said Environment Minister Wayne Panton.

“Although the Bill is substantially the 2009 version prepared by the former PPM administration, it incorporates recent feedback received from the public, stakeholders, the immediate past government administration and independent members of the Legislative Assembly.

“It is critical that we plan and implement infrastructure and physical development in ways that respect the natural environment and try to preserve the integrity of eco-systems that sustains and address the threats which are serious and growing. There is no more time to lose.”

The Minister said he was hoping the “long-awaited” piece of legislation could be enacted by the end of 2013.

The bill would give protection to Cayman’s “irreplaceable native species and habitats,” said Gina Ebanks-Petrie Department of Environment Director. “As drafted, the bill requires that the environmental consequences of all national plans, policies and projects and all development proposals are taken into account before any decisions or actions are taken or permissions granted.”

The Cayman Islands is in need of a modern environmental law, to replace the outdated ‘Animals Law.  A new ’National Conservation Law’ has been drafted, and is currently available for public comment. To download a copy of the 2013 Conservation Law go to:

http://www.doe.ky/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/National-Conservation-Law-12-November-2013.pdf

The Department of Environment ([email protected]) is happy to come and speak with any group that has questions about the (draft) Law. Or individuals are invited to email or come to the Department to have their questions answered in private.

Hard copies can be obtained at the Department of Environment on North Sound Road, and the Legislative Assembly.