Organic Law on Aquatic and Island Spaces
Organic Law on Science, Technology and Innovation
General Law on Seaports
Presidential Decree 1,496
Law on Hazardous Substances, Materials and Waste
Law on Special Zones of Sustainable Development
Ombudsman Office
Organic Law on Aquatic and Island Spaces
The Organic Law on Aquatic and Island Spaces was published in Official Gazette 37,290 of September 25 2001. The law establishes that the state will guarantee the sustainable exploitation of water resources and the biodiversity of the nation's waterways.
Organic Law on Science, Technology and Innovation
The Organic Law on Science, Technology and Innovation was published in Official Gazette 37,291 of September 26 2001. It stipulates that bioethical and environmental principles must be complied with during scientific and technological investigations.
The General Law on Seaports was published in Official Gazette 37,292 of September 27 2001. It establishes the Aquatic Authority as the entity in charge of monitoring compliance with the environmental laws applicable to seaports. With the aims of conserving, defending and enhancing the nation's seaports, the authority will act as coordinator and supervisor of port operations and activities.
Presidential Decree 1,496 was published in Official Gazette 37,312 of October 29 2001 and eliminates the restriction contained in Decree 269 of June 7 1989 concerning the exploitation of non-metallic minerals in the Amazon state (specifically sand, grazon and grava, which are used in construction materials).
Law on Hazardous Substances, Materials and Waste
The Law on Hazardous Substances, Materials and Waste was signed and published in Official Gazette 5,554 of November 13 2001 (see National Assembly Passes Law on Hazardous Substances).
Law on Special Zones of Sustainable Development
The Law on Special Zones of Sustainable Development was published in Official Gazette 5,556 of November 13 2001. It regulates the creation, operation and disposal of such zones, in line with government plans for the development of productivity and the exploitation of resources.
The Ombudsman Office published a resolution in Official Gazette 37,335 of November 29 2001, creating the Office of the Special Ombudsman for Environmental Matters. The office will oversee national environmental matters.
For further information on this topic please contact Maria Isabel Ponce or Angela C Antakly Heredia at Benson, Perez Matos, Antakly & Watts by telephone (+58 212 265 3801) or by fax (+58 212 265 9252) or by email ([email protected] or [email protected]).