The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday passed a bill to amend certain articles of the Federal Law No. (24) of 1999 concerning the protection and development of environment. The amended law will be enforced in the UAE territory, including the free zones.
Chaired by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), the eighth session was attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of State for Federal National Council of Affairs, Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works.
The house highlighted the importance of the law in protecting and developing the environment in a way that embraces the latest developments in this field in order to provide high quality, sustainable environment that ensures healthy life in consistence with the UAE Vision 2021.
The legislation will support the government's efforts to protect natural environment as one of the UAE's top priorities. The UAE issued its first law regulating and protecting the environment, hunting and wildlife 30 years ago.
Members of the FNC emphasised the vital role of the law in mitigating the impact of climate change on the urban environs, eco-systems and sustainable environment.
The law also aims at developing natural resources, conserving biodiversity and maximising these resources in the best interest of the present and future generations and for protecting the health and wellbeing of the community and other living creatures.
The law mandates the Ministry of Environment and Water to set the standards and criteria needed for environmental impact assessment of projects and identify environmentally-sensitive sites like historic, archaeological landmarks, wetlands and coral islands, nature reserves and public gardens.
The law bans a number of practices including hunting, killing and capturing birds and wild and sea creatures, or gathering their eggs. It also bans ownership, transportation, export, showcasing and selling of live or dead animals listed in the executive regulations. Dangerous and predatory animals are not allowed in houses and farms. A permit from the competent authorities is required to practice these activities.
The law defines regulation of activities on land and sea and sets penalties and fines for offenders. For example, any person found polluting drinking water or underground water will face a prison term of not less than one year and a fine of not more than Dh2 million.