THEME: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION & MANAGEMENT

Speaker 1: Mr. Wong Jor Jee

Profile: Senior Environmental Control Officer, Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak

Title: EIA PROCESS WITH REGARD TO REALTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. EIA has been used as an important management tool for ensuring optimal use of natural resources and protecting the environment, hence to ensure sustainable development. Since the establishment of the NREB, EIA has been proven as an useful tool towards achieving sustainability principles and therefore, is made available within the legal framework in Sarawak. By referring to the First Schedule of the Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order 1997, realty and infrastructure development are among the Prescribed Activities which require EIA study to be undertaken prior to project implementation.

Speaker 2: Ms. Elizabeth Nyomek

Profile: Senior Environmental Control Officer, Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak

Title: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (AUDIT) RULES, 2008 AS A WAY FORWARD TO ENVIRONMENTAL SELF-REGULATION

ABSTRACT

The Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008 is made under Section 18(q) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, 1993. Presently, compliance to EIA Approval Condition is monitored through Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR) and Site Inspection by the NREB. The current issues and practices of measuring the environmental compliance status of the development projects contributed to the formulation of the Rules. The Rules will enhance the environmental compliance of the project development, assess the environmental risk and improve on the environmental process leading towards environmental self-regulation. This paper will highlight on the implementation of the Rules as a way forward to environmental self-regulation.