National Environmental Policy

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOR LESOTHO 1. PREAMBLE Lesotho showed its commitment to the process of sound environmental planning in 1989 with the formulation of a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). The NEAP document provides for increased awareness of environmental concerns in sectoral planning and programming. Subsequent to the NEAP, the National Action Plan (NAP) to implement Agenda 21 was launched in May 1994. The NAP will build on the foundations of the NEAP and will incorporate sectoral priorities an~ national plans for implementing international conventions on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Desertification Control. In each of the above endeavours, there was recognition of the imperative for the Government of Lesotho to set up a national body responsible for overall coordination of environmental matters nationwide, and to put in place an enabling legal framework to facilitate this coordination to address environmental challenges. Principal among the challenges identified are accelerated soil erosion resulting in land degradation, loss of arable land and eventual desertification; periodic prolonged drought and scarcity of water for agriculture, human and livestock consumption; increasing urban and rural poverty; pollution of land and water courses; low level of environmental awareness among policy and decision makers, and the general public; low level of institutional capacity to deal with environmental problems; lack of public participation in project identification, design and implementation; some legal impediments in the way of women's social and economic progress; and absence of environ.mental policy and enabling legal mechanism to embark on sustainable development programmes. Bearing in mind that environmental problems are products of the impacts of many uncoordinated human activities and natural processes, their mitigation and solution therefore call for coordinated programmes and activities by the different sectors of government and society. This further calls for an enabling policy to make it easier for both Government and public to integrate environmental considerations in their development activities. The policy presented here is a response to the environmental challenges outlined above. The mandate on environment is derived from the constitution of Lesotho, Section 36 which states: Lesotho shall adopt policies designed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment of Lesotho for the benefit of both present and future generations and shall endeavour to assure all citizens a sound and safe environment adequate for their health and well-being. The Government of Lesotho endorses and adheres to internationally accepted principles of the 1972 Stockholm Declaration and the 1992 Rio Declaration as adopted by the United Nations Conferences. It is also signatory to the following international environmental conventions: Convention on the Protection of Fauna and Flora; Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas; Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Lesotho will continue to accede to other relevant internationally acceptable protocols. The Government of Lesotho further endorses and adheres to regionally accepted principles contained in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Policy and Strategy for Environment and Sustainable Development, and the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN), and other similar programmes. The National Environment Policy neither does it intend to usurp the powers of sectoral ministries nor does it seek to replace sectoral policies but instead reinforces them and focuses on areas of high environmental priority for the Kingdom of Lesotho. The National Environment Secretariat (NES), responsible for environmental affairs plays a facilitating, enforcement and advisory role in ensuring its implementation. However, a more elevated institutional framework will be put in place once the Environmental Framework Law is approved by Parliament. The objectives of the National Environment policy address a broad range of environmental problems facing Lesotho today. These problems and their relative-significance are likely to change overtime which will necessitate a revision of the policy periodically. CONTENTS ~- Page I. Preamble l 2. National Environmental Policy 5 2.1 Goal 5 2.2 Policy Objectives 5 3. National Development Priorities 6 3.1 Social and Economic Dimensions 6 3.2 Sustainable Management of Natural Resources 6 3.3 Getting People Involved 7 4. Basic Principles and Strategies for Implementation of the National Environment Policy 7 Social and Economic Dimensions 4.1 Combating Poverty 8 4.2 Managing Demographic Dynamics for Sustainability 8 4.3 Protecting and Promoting Human Health and workplace Environment 9 10 4.4 Sustainable Development of Human Settlements 11 4.5 Integrating Environment and Development into Decision-making 11 Sustainable Management of Natural Resources 4.6 Integrated Approach to Planning and Management of Land 13 4.7 Agriculture and Food Security 14 4.8 Sustainable Rangeland and Mountain Development 15 4.9 Conservation of Biological Diversity 16 4.10 Climate Change 17 4.11 Combating Desertification and Drought 17 4.12 Energy Resources 18 4.13 Afforestation and Revegetation 19 4.14 Water Resources Management 19 4.15 National Parks, Greenbelts, and Historical Monuments and Relics 21 4.16 Toxic and Hazardous Substances 22 4.17 Sanitation and Waste Management 22 4.18 Air Pollution Control 24 4.19 Noise Pollution Control 24 Getting People Involved 4.20 Industry and Mining 25 4.21 Environmental Impact Assessment, Audits and Monitoring 26 4.22 Gender Issues 27 4.23 Science and Technology (Research & Development) 28 4 .24 NGOs and the Business Sector 28 4.25 Environmental Education and Public Awareness 29 4.26 Public Participation 30 5.0 Institutional Arrangements 31 6.0 Legal Arrangements 34 7.0 International Environment Conventions and Obligations 35 8.0 Monitoring and Evaluation 35 2.0 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AL POLICY 2.1 2.2 The goal of the national policy on environment is to protect and conserve the environment with a view to achieving sustainable development for Lesotho. Policy Objectives (a) To secure for all Basotho a high quality of environment to enhance their health and well-being. (b) To use and conserve the environment and natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. (c) To halt environmental degradation, and to restore, maintain and enhance the ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the functioning of the biosphere and to preserve biological diversity. (d) To raise public awareness and promote understanding of essential causal linkages between development and environment, and to ensure that environmental awareness becomes an integral part of education at all levels. (e) To encourage and facilitate individual, NGO, Community Based Organisations (CBO), religious organizations, academic and research institutions and business community participation in environmental management. (f) To foster community management and sharing of benefits from sustainable utilization of natural resources on customary and public land. (g) To put in place environmental legislative and regulatory measures complemented by social and economic incentives and institutional arrangements to influence positive behavior towards environment and promote sustainable economic and social development. (h) To set up programmes of resource inventorying and accounting, complemented by regular and accurate environmental assessment, monitoring, and dissemination of information on the state of the environment to all sectors of society. (i) To ensure that the true costs of environmental use and abuse are borne by the user, i.e. application of the "polluter pays" and "user pays" principle. (j) To enact and implement a land tenure policy which encourages and enhances sustainable natural resource management. (k) To ensure that programmes and measures of structural adjustment, economic reform and debt servicing repayment take into account the country's environmental circumstances and needs. (1) To conserve the Basotho cultural heritage and utilise it for the benefit of the present and future generations. (m) To explore the use of fiscal policy (e.g. taxation, subsidies, public expendures) to promote better environmental management. (n) To use markets, pricing of goods and services and economic incentives to complement regulatory and institutional measures for better environmental management. (o) To empower women to play a key role m natural resource use and management activities. (p) To cooperate in good faith with other countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region, in Africa, and with international organizations and agencies to achieve sustainable management of transboundary shared natural resources and effective prevention or abatement of adverse transboundary environmental impacts. 3. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES The Environmental Policy relates directly to Lesotho ' s national development priorities. It will focus on the social and economic dimensions, the management and conservation of natural resources, protection and improvement of environmental quality and the promotion of community participation. 3 .1 Social and Economic Dimensions Prerequisites for sustainable development include a commitment to programmes of sound economic policies and management, effective and predictable public administration, democratic governance, and the integration of environmental considerations within the decision-making processes. · The following are priority programme areas of social and economic dimensions. (a) combating poverty; (b) managing demographic dynamics for sustainability; ( c) protecting and improving human health; and the working environment. ( d) promoting sustainable development of human settlements; and ( e) integrating environment and development into decision making. 3.2 Sustainable Management of Natural Resources 3.3 Development initiatives under this section will focus on the following programme areas: (a) integrated approach to planning and management of land resources; (b) agriculture and food security; ( c) promotion of sustainable rangeland and mountain development; ( d) conservation of biological diversity; ( e) mitigating climate change; (f) combating drought and desertification; (g) energy resources; (h) strengthening afforestation and revegetation; (i) water resources management; (j) national parks, greenbelts, historical monuments and relics; (k) toxic and hazardous substances; (I) sanitation and waste management; (m) air pollution control; (n) noise pollution control; ( o) industry and mining; and (p) environmental impact assessment, audits and monitoring. Getting People Involved Participation will be promoted through activities in the following programme areas: (a) gender equity and equality; (b) NGOs, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) religious Organisations and Business Community; ( c) development of science and technology; ( d) public participation in decision making and programme design, planning and implementation processes; and ( e) environmental education and public awareness. 4. PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY The implementation of the National Environmental Policy depends on clearly planned actions directed towards major sectors and problem areas of the environment. To be effective, this policy is based on the understanding that environmental issues are products of many interrelated and interlocking factors which require integrated and systemic views and actions. 4.1 Basic principles and strategies for implementation discussed in this section have been categorized as Social and Economic Dimensions ( 4.1 - 4.6), Management of Natural Resources ( 4. 7 - 4.22), and Getting People Involved ( 4.23 - 4.27). The actions envisaged will establish and/or strengthen legal, institutional, and regulatory measures, research, monitoring, evaluation, public information and outreach, sectoral and economic policies and incentive systems and other relevant mechanisms for the realization of a goal, objectives and strategies of the policy. Social and Economic Dimensions Combatin2 Poverty Objective Achieve sustainable development through integrated programmes of employment generation, poverty reduction, environmental and natural resources rehabilitation and management in rural and urban areas. Guiding principles (1) Poverty is both a cause and consequence of environmental degradation, and its reduction and eventual eradication is critical to environmental conservation, protection, enhancement and sustainable utilization. (2) The health or state of the environment will depend on, and be guided and protected by, the health, education and well-being of the Basotho. Strategies (1) Accelerate efforts to create non-farm employment opportunities (e.g. artisanal trade), encourage diversification of farming e.g. agroforestry, horticulture farming; improve formal marketing and credit facilities, e.g. micro credit schemes especially for women and the poor. (2) Revise all laws that discriminate against women, such as the Land Act 1979, Deeds Registry Act 1967, etc. (3) Expand employment opportunities through a liberal economic environment for business sector entrepreuneurships and initiatives . . (4) Promote local investment opportunities and an entrepreneurial culture through training workshops, training in business management skills and by providing appropriate skills. (5) Promote labour-intensive production systems, as and when necessary. ( 6) Rehabilitate degraded resources to increase their productivity and improve the livelihoods of the poor for basic human needs. (7) (8) Promote research developm~t and extension for drought resistance crops for effective mixed farming e.g. ~aWiobane systems to meet needs of poor farmers and pastoralists. Develop appropriate price and marketing support services, for small scale crop and livestock farming, cottage industries and rural economic diversification. 4.2 Manaeine Demoeraphic Dynamics for Sustainability Objective Implement the National Population Policy (NPP), and take into account environmental considerations in the design and implementation of population programmes. Guiding principles ( 1) Improved health, education and living standards, especially of women, reduce infant mortality and birthrates. (2) Each individual and couple have a right to decide on the number of children, they wish to have, but child spacing is necessary to ensure families capability to raise children properly. (3) The annual growth of the population of Lesotho should be on decline relative to annual growth of the national economy. ( 4) Population and family life education in schools and colleges facilitate the implementation of the population programme. (5) Achieving population objectives depend on changing attitudes and practices bearing on the current disadvantaged status of women in Lesotho. ( 6) Appreciation of the impact of population growth and distribution on the environment and livelihoods will contribute to changing attitudes towards family size. (7) Policies and programmes on regard to health, water, sanitation and land-use and women well being need to be consistent with population policy and programmes. Strategies (1) Coordinate family planning and health services with those of environmental conservation and improvement. 4.3 (2) Carry out integrated population, health and environment information, education and communication programmes using a combination of personal, print and electronic media approaches. (3) Support programmes for women' s literacy, skills training and population, health education. ( 4) Introduce a nation-wide population, health and environmental education in the formal and non-formal educational systems at all levels. (5) Implement social and economic development programmes & measures to reduce dependence on large family sizes e.g. old-age pensions, homes for the aged etc. Protectin2 and Promotin2 Human Health and Workplace Environment Objective Protect and improve human health in rural and urban areas and workplaces through the conservation and improvement of environmental conditions and quality Guiding principles 1. Prevention and control of water and air-borne diseases -through pollution control, proper waste disposal, sanitation and programmes of environmental improvement which are cost-effective. 2. Health and Environment Departments need to collaborate closely in designing and implementing plans and programmes aimed at improving human health. 3. Local communities role in protecting human health and environment is often critical and needs government support. 4. Appropriate regulations and standards help provide protection against hazards that threaten human health and safety in the working environment. 5. Clean, healthy and comfortable working environment contribute to increased productivity in the workplace. Strategies 1. Control communicable diseases, inter alia, through programmes of sanitation improvement, better waste treatment and disposal and control of water and air pollution. 2. Protect vulnerable groups, especially women children, and the handicapped against environmentally transmitted diseases through targeted monitoring and programmes. 3. Establish and enforce health, hygiene and environmental quality standards in urban and rural areas and in work places. 4. Promote the participation of local communities in health-related environmental improvement programmes. 5. Disseminate information throughout the country on matters concerning protection and promotion of human health and its relationship with environmental conditions and quality. 6. Train teams of health workers to implement integrated health and environmental programmes and measures throughout the country. 7. Educate communities on epidemiology and control of environmentally-borne diseases. 8.. Raise people's awareness of the health and environmental impact of toxic substances and hazardous chemicals and enhance Government-private sector partnership in their sound management. 9. Promote Preventive programmes and approaches to primary health care. 10. Establish national guidelines and health standards for pollutants ambient environmental quality and health hazards, consistent with current international guidelines and with national capacity for monitoring and enforcement. 11 . Monitor and update levels of various pollutants within the working environment consistent with nationally set, standards, for environmental quality human health and well-being. 12. Specify occupational safety and health codes of practice and guidelines based on the hazard levels of designated industrial activities. 13. Establish an effective and efficient system for the reporting and monitoring of industrial environmental accidents. 14. Specify and promote the provision of measures to mitigate the environmental health impacts of industrial accidents including emergency and evacuation measures. 15. Establish minimum environmental standards for the immediate surroundings and within factories and workplaces. 16. Develop capacities of relevant ministries and agencies to effectively implement environmental laws and regulations. 4.5 Promoting Sustainable Development of Human Settlements Objective Fostering environmentally-sound design, building and management of human settlements. Guiding Principles 1. Human settlements planning and management should incorporate environmental concerns. 2. Urban and rural development and planning should integrate environmental, social, economic and cultural concerns. 3. Communities should play a major role in designing and managing their own settlements. Strategies 1. Decentralize social and infrastructural services and amenities to ensure their distribution over a wider area, in order to reach more people and minimize environmental degradation. 2. Promote sustainable small-scale urban agriculture to alleviate urban poverty and malnutrition, and improve urban environment. 3. Promote energy saving and use of renewable energy and environmentally sound transport systems. 4. Promote integrated provision of environmental infrastructural services e.g. water, sanitation, drainage and solid waste management. 5. Design sustainable human settlements which promote use of locally available materials. 6. Prepare simplified physical planning guidelines to facilitate environmentally sound settlement development. 7. Encourage environmentally sound settlements by developing one or more pilot projects which demonstrate the advantages and practical application of environmentally-friendly technologies. 8. Develop urban planning practices to achieve and maintain a healthful, pleasant environment for households through tested methods of separating industrial, commercial and residential areas through zoning, provision of buffer strips and green areas. 9. Develop physical planning guidelines for residential development incorporating standards for such items as housing density, road infrastructure, and open spaces. 4.6 Inte&ratin& Environment and Development into Decision-makin& Objective Ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated in decision-making during formulation, implementation and management of development policies, programmes and projects. Guiding Principles 1. Every development action impacts on the environment either positively or negatively and environmental conditions provide constraints and opportunities for development. 2. Environmental problems are usually multidimensional, multi-disciplinary and intersectoral and they are prevented and mitigated most effectively when their route causes are addressed. 3. Introduction of markets and pricing for environmental goods and services and judicious use of fiscal policy instruments supplement regulatory measures and legislation to achieve better environmental management while promoting economic development. 4. Policy-makers and decision-makers need to know the likely effects of development activities on the environment in order to ensure that their policy, programmes and project decisions take into account the environmental conditions, concerns and objectives. Strategies 1. Incorporate key environmental issues in the overall socio-economic development policies plans and programmes. 2. Develop and implement an Environmental Impact .Assessment (EIA) policy. 3. Set up Environmental Units (EUs) within the Planning Division of each concerned Ministry to ensure the integration of environment and development. These EUs will as appropriate: (a) identify and assess environmental impacts of Ministry sponsored programmes and projects; 4.7 (b) ensure that remedial actions are taken to mitigate adverse environmental impacts; (c) prepare plans and supervise EIA for Ministry projects; ( d) liaise with LEA for the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); ( e) advise communities on particular aspects of environmental concerns; (f) monitor post-EIA audits of projects; (g) participate in resource monitoring and in preparing the periodic state of environment reports. (h) help develop and implement economic incentives, policies and fiscal measures to achieve environmental objectives. (i) include in concerned Ministry budget estimates and sectoral plans and projections the financial implications of providing for environmental management of sectoral development. G) assess environmental and social implications of structural adjustment, economic reforms, external debt servicing and repayment programmes prior to their finalisation. 4. Hold training workshops on a environment-related subjects for target groups. 5. Provide support for environmental education and training in environmental management at various levels. Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Integrated Approach to Planning and Management of Land Objective Promote land conservation, sustainable use and development through tenure reform, planning, legislation and incentive systems. Guiding Principles 1. Development activities should take into account different soil types and bio- physical conditions. 2. Land use plans should, inter alia, be based on land types and agro-ecological conditions. 3. For sound use and sustainable management of land, it is essential to ensure equitable land ownership and tenure. 4. Establishing land markets, as appropriate, and providing economic incentive systems for environmentally sound land management and disincentives to discourage mismanagement and misuse of land will help reduce poverty and improve land management. 5. Legislation, regulations, sectoral policies and planning and incentive systems are necessary to bring about the correspondence of actual land use practices with socially desirable ones. Strategies 1. Develop and implement an integrated land-use policy based on biophysical factors and agro-ecological mapping. 2. Rehabilitate degraded lands through application of appropriate technologies such as gabbion and small dam construction, grassing, tree planting, terracing and contouring, trenching, etc., keeping in mind their employment generating potential. 3. Adopt sectoral policies, planning and management systems that facilitate environmental management of water, forests, mountains ·and other natural resources. 4. Strengthen management systems for land and natural resources by including traditional and indigenous knowledge as appropriate. 5. Establish land-use and physical planning frameworks within which specific or detailed land development and management decisions can be made. 6. Introduce incentive systems to encourage, land-use patterns and management of land resources, inter-alia, taking demographic issues and local interests into account. 7. Enhance quality of land management through reform of land ownership and tenure, registration procedures and practices and provision of accessible infrustructural support. 8. Prevent land degradation from soil erosion by controlling surface water run-off from adjacent development. 9. Encourage broad-based participation of communities in the development and management of public land and village commons. 4.8 Agriculture and Food Security Objective ,. Improve land-use and natural resources management and sustained increased agricultural production and rural economic development and diversification. Guiding principles 1. Food security inter-alia, depends upon sound land, water, forest, vegetation and inputs management. 2. Good natural resources and agricultural management practices are predicated on sound land ownership and tenure policies which reward the farmer and the pastoralist. 3. Agricultural policies and practices should aim to increase and maintain vegetation cover and thus protect soil, structure and cover. Strategies 1. Ensure and enhance broad-based participation in the management of natural resources and provide training & technical assistance to achieve sustainable agricultural development. 2. Encourage land conservation and rehabilitation programmes through information flow, guidance, investment and technical assistance and incentives systems. 3. Promote conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources for sustainable food production and agricultural development. 4. Encourage integrated pest management, integrated plant nutrition systems, organic farming permaculture, effective mixed farming and agroforestry practices. 5. Promote renewable sources of energy, e.g. solar, biogas, wind, etc. to facilitate regeneration of the resource base and minimization of loss of vegetation cover. 6. Conserve water for sustainable food production and rural development. 7. Diversify agricultural produce through emphasis on high value cash crops and intensive livestock production. 4.9 Sustainable Rane;eland and Mountain Development Objective Promotion of environmentally sound management of the rangeland and mountain ecosystems and resources for sustainable and environmentally friendly development. Guiding principles 1. Mountains ecosystems are unstable and fragile; they require careful management. 2. Mountain areas contain rare and sometimes endemic fauna and flora which are vulnerable and need protection. 3. Regeneration of mountain vegetation is slow and requires careful management, long-term planning and involvement of the concerned communities. 4. Mountain and foothills areas are sources of water and need vegetation cover. 5. Natural Resource management in mountain areas needs to respond also to the vicissitudes of weather and contribute to reducing poverty. Strategies 1. Promote low-cost, simple, and easy-to-use erosion control and rangeland management methods. 2. Identify and protect mountain areas which are vulnerable to erosion, floods, landslides, snow avalanches and other natural hazards, and develop early warning and disaster mitigation response systems. 3. Create centers of information on range land and mountain ecosystems targeted at the public and communities interacting with and living in these ecosystems. 4. Create protected areas and design participatory programmes to conserve wildlife, rare and endemic genetic material in rangelands and mountain areas. 5. Ensure sustainable management of highland lands and resources through catchment planning and management programmes, incorporating the regulation of livestock densities, land use and human settlements development 6. Encourage culturally sensitive ways to control livestock grazing so as to protect the remaining vegetative cover and encourage new cover, thereby preventing soil loss, floods, damage to roads and water channels and the like. 7. Improve marketing and provide guidance and incentives to control stock rates at levels conducive to better environmental management. 4.,10 Conservation of Bioloiical Diversity Objective Develop institutional capacities and design and implement projects and programmes to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity. Guiding principles 1. Biodiversity has intrinsic values and is also vital for agriculture, medicine, scientific research, cultural practices, tourism, and other socio-economic development. 2. When people who live in proximate areas participate in and benefit by it, Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity become feasible. 3. Targeted information on biodiversity and its sustainable use is critical to raising public awareness and participation in programmes conserve it. 4. Poverty reduction, social development and Conservation of biodiversity are interrelated objectives which need to be pursued in tandem. Strategies 1. Draw upon the assistance of the Global Environment Facility to build institutional capacities and develop programmes to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2. Prepare studies, surveys, data collection, sampling, evaluation for conservation of genetic resources and clarify the factors behind their depletion. 3. Establish and delineate conservation and protected areas and botanical gardens in line with the availability of diverse biological resources. 4. Strengthen and establish in-situ and ex-situ centers for conservation of biological diversity, taking into account traditional 5. Coordinate the measures to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity with those aimed at implementing related Conventions e.g. Ramsar, World Heritage sites. 6. Cooperate and collaborate with neighbouring countries in the conservation of biological diversity. 4.11 Climate Change Objective Promote sustainable development and implementation of measures to help mitigate climate change, control and reduce atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Guiding principles 1. Loss of vegetation, tree cover and atmospheric pollution through use of fossil fuels contribute to climate change. 2. Information on the impact of human activities on climate change and the economic availability of technologies which reduce carbon emissions facilitate action to mitigate climate change. Strategies I. Publish and disseminate information on carbon emissions control technologies that reduce carbon emissions and effective ways of enhancing carbon sinks. adaptation to climate change. 2. Draw up guidelines for various sectors to mitigate the ~impact of climate change. 3. Promote the enhancement and sound management and conservation of such greenhouse gas sinks as plants, forests, vegetation cover and water bodies. 5. Strengthen the National Meteorological (weather and climate) Service, taking into account the directives of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. 6. Improve awareness among the public and decision makers on the relationship between their economic activity and the environment in terms of climate change. 4.12 Combating Desertification and Drought Objective Identify and address the driving forces behind Desertification and mitigate the effects of desertification and drought through sectorally coordinated policies and programmes. Guiding principles 1. Desertification is caused primarily by human activities. 2. Combating desertification requires concerted and sustained efforts of different sectors. ,. Strategies 1. Identify the factors causing desertification and disseminate information on causes and consequences of desertification and effective measures against it. 2. Coordinate the policies and plans relating to agriculture, land-use, forests, rangeland, water, energy and other related sectors to control desertification. 3. Develop early warning systems to enhance preparedness and mitigation. 4. Monitor the extent and nature of desertification in the country. 5. Following the guidance of the Convention to Combat Desertification develop sectoral, social and economic measures to address the factors causing desertification. 6. Promote public awareness of, and participation in desertification control programmes and management of effects of drought. 4.13 Energy Resources Objective Develop and promote through awareness building, incentives and markets efficient, and environmentally friendly energy sources and energy saving technologies. Guiding principles 1. Development and Propagation of renewable energy sources and energy serving technologies will reduce environmental and resource degradation and help improve environmental quality. 2. Enhancing the efficiency of energy use is essential to effectively meet the consumption and development needs of the country. 3. Rural electrification will arrest the rate of deforestation and loss of vegetation cover and improve rural quality of life in the rural areas. 4. Provision of incentives for the use of non-woodfuel and application of efficient technologies will relieve pressure on the use of woodfuel energy sources. Strategies 1. Review and Implement the National Energy Master Plan in coordination with sectoral plans. 2. Accelerate community-based afforestation programmes countrywide for energy sources enhancement and discourage the combustion of crop residues and animal dung. 3. Develop and promote the use of renewable energy sources including hydropower, solar and wind energy. 4. Formulate guidelines for energy saving and encourage energy conservation in building, construction, agriculture and manufacturing and develop demonstrations of good practices in energy saving. 5. Promote the use of energy efficient stoves through improvement of design, taking into account consumer needs and drawing successful experiments in other countries. 6. Encourage the use of public transport, bicycles, and increase the energy efficiency transport management systems and settlements planning. 7. Develop trained manpower in energy related professions and increase research on application of efficient and environmentally sound energy sources. 8. Encourage the use of photovoltaic installations to provide lighting, radios and, televisions. 9. Introduce economic incentives including tax relief for the development and marketing of renewable sources and energy efficient technologies. 10. Develop financing mechanisms to enable potential users of renewable energy to obtain credit facilities for further improvement in energy saving technologies. 4.14 Afforestation and Reve~etation Objective Implement the National Forestry Action Plan, promote national afforestation and reforestation programmes, conserve forests and woodlands, and rehabilitate all degraded areas. Guiding principles 1. Uprooting of shrubs is an important contributing factor in soil erosion, river and dam siltation and loss of biodiversity. 21 2. The participation of local community based organisations (CBO), NGOs and business sector in promoting forestry and vegetation cover is critical to afforestation and vegetation and, improved management, conservation and sustainable utilization of forests and vegetation. 3. Provision of non-farm income generating activities can reduce pressure on trees, shrubs and forest resources. 4. Water catchment management biodiversity conservation, agricultural and pastoral development forests and vegetation cover management and conservation are inter-related and require a concerted approach. Strategies 1. Encourage individual and community participation in afforestation and revegetation programmes, by providing incentives and training to foster self­ help. 2. Train Village Development Councils in the management of local afforestation and revegetation programmes with particular attention to indigenous species. 3. Rehabilitate degraded lands using appropriate agroforestry and land use management practices and increase multi-use forest and vegetation cover. 4. Review and rationalise forestry legislation and clarify its linkages to other relevant legislation. 5. Improve technical and professional training of forest workers at all levels. 6. Promote the development of forestry and vegetation cover for erosion control and land rehabilitation. 7. Reduce the use of scarce timber and wood resources through the wide-scale distribution of solar-powered cookers and heaters. 8. Promote diverse non-farm employment and income generating activities including handicrafts to reduce pressure on vegetation and forest cover. 4.15 Water Resources Management Objective Develop integrated and coordinated, effective and efficient approaches to conservation and use of water resources, and promote its conservation and availability in sufficient quantity and quality on sustainable basis. Guiding principles 1. The involvement of stakeholders contributes to the efficiency, sustainability and success of water programmes & projects, as stakeholders often have more detailed knowledge of the local areas which may not be available to the agencies implementing or financing programmes & projects. 2. All people should have access to potable water in order to reduce the incidence of environmental water-borne diseases and the time devoted by women and children to water collection. 3. The training of the public in water conservation practices and techniques can contribute to the judicious management of water resources. 4. The sustainable development of small-scale irrigation schemes based on surface water resources via the construction of small dams and diversion of rivers is totally dependent on the improvement and stabilization of soil conservation and afforestation measures in the catchment areas serving these schemes. Strategies 1. Promote and enhance protection, conservation and sustainable utilisation & management of water resources, based on community needs and priorities. 2. Promote water harvesting strategies and encourage minimising wastage. 3. Develop and Implement the Water Master Plan and investment programmes taking into account interactive databases, forecasting models and environmental considerations. 4. Establish and promote an appropriate water pncmg system which would discourage misuse of water. 5. Involve women in the design and implementation of sustainable water programmes and projects in rural and urban areas. 6. Establish flood prone management programmes to prevent settlement and cultivation in such areas for health and safety reasons. 7. Conduct cross-sectoral water resources assessment involving agriculture, forestry and industrial sectors. 8. Support and implement drought and other risk preparedness programmes. 9. Promote research and conservation of catchment and shared water resources with neighbouring countries in the SADC region. 10. Develop and strengthen capacities of relevant agencies including W ASA the Department of water affairs for sustainable use and re-use of water, and in quality and quantity management. 11. Promote research on, and the protection of surface and ground water resources from sources of pollution. 12. Develop and enforce standards for water quality and effluent by usmg a monitoring system to control environmental pollution. 13. Protect and rehabilitate fragile wetlands and mountain ecosystem and promote an integrated basin-wide planning approach through public participation. 14. Develop riverine fisheries database through nationwide surveys. 15. Review legislation pertaining to water rights taking into account environmental and sectoral policies and legislation. 4.16 National Parks, Greenbelts, and Historical Monuments and Relics Objectives 1. Ensure proper maintenance of, and care for, historical mofiwnents and relics for the education and enjoyment of the present and future generations and rehabilitate, and enhance biological diversity of national parks, greenbelts and botanical gardens, especially in those areas where cultural monuments and relics are located. Guiding Principles I. Gaining knowledge of what exists in terms of natural resources is necessary to develop policies that will protect them. Through surveys and inventory-taking of the status of natural resources and cultural heritage of Lesotho can be assessed and monitored. 2." Managing historical monwnents and relics needs well trained professionals and support staff. 3. Public awareness of the issues concerning the management and enjoyment of historical monwnents and relics is a prerequisite for the survival of this cultural heritage. 4. Tourism is directly dependent on the quality of the environment. Strategies I. Institute a programme to protect threatened species and to reintroduce into Lesotho those indigenous species now extinct in the Kingdom. 2. Ensure that all currently gazetted areas and sites of national importance are protected. 3. Involve local communities in the management of gazetted areas and ensure equity sharing with the concerned communities from tourism generated revenue. 4. Revise the Law (Proclamation No. 36 of 1969) protecting historical monuments and relics. 5. Promote training programmes for wardens and rangers. 6. Initiate educational programmes including aspects of cultural heritage to enhance public understanding and raise public awareness on environmental conservation and maintenance of these areas. 7. Implement existing legislation and regulations to conserve some plants for medicinal purposes, and establish incentives for those who conserve these species. 8. Review and develop policies for the conservation of historical and cultural heritage of national importance to the people of Lesotho. 4.17 Toxic and Hazardous Substances Objective Control and Regulate the introduction, manufacture, importation, sale, transportation, use, distribution and disposal of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances in Lesotho. Guiding Principle The management of toxic and hazardous substances shall be guided by the Basel Convention on Hazardous Substances, the Montreal Protocol, the Bamako Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, the London Guidelines for the Exchange of Information on Chemicals in International Trade, the F AO Code of Conduct, and the Prior Informed Consent scheme. Strategies 1. Introduce and maintain an UJY· to date register of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances to human health and the environment. 2. Design and set up a national framework and standards against which transboundary movement of toxic, hazardous and radioactive wastes will be controlled and regulated for environmentally sound management of these substances. 3. Establish a mechanism which will stringently control importation or generation of banned toxic hazardous or radioactive wastes to human life and the environment. 4. Monitor the effects and control all phases of the life cycle of all substances likely to have an adverse impact on human health and environment. 5. Determine and encourage the use of environmentally safe and technologically sound techniques for disposal of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances with a view to reducing impact on the environment. 6. Develop and strengthen technical capacity for the monitoring and control of hazardous materials. 7. Set up a mechanism for the identification and clean up of abandoned toxic and hazardous substances in the environment. 4.18 Sanitation and Waste Management Objective Promote proper methods of handling and disposal of wastes based on established guidelines in order to reduce environmental pollution and the spread of disease. Guiding principles 1. Utilizing the most reliable and appropriate waste treatment systems for domestic, commercial and industrial wastes will minimize environmental hazards. 2. Setting up and enforcing standards for the disposal of human and other solid wastes in homes, offices, housing estates, and public facilities in both urban and rural areas will lead to reduced incidence of environmental disease and mitigate against surface and ground water contamination. Strategies 1. Design environmentally friendly waste disposal and treatment systems that will take into consideration the geographical and environmental setting and encourage recycling. 2. Ensure that the location of disposal sites do not pollute surface and underground water systems. 3. Establish monitoring programmes of approved waste disposal sites, waste water treatment systems, industrial waste pretreatment plants and their surroundings to mitigate environmental pollution. 4. Establish environmental standards for the location of water wells, boreholes and dams in relation to major sanitary landfill sites. 5. Prescribe and strengthen regulations for the safe waste disposal. 6. Provide information on the appropriate methods and technologies for the treatment and disposal of waste. 7. Put in place effective protective measures against discharge of particulate matter and untreated industrial effluents into rivers, wetlands, dams and other water bodies. 8. Encourage community and public recycling of bottles, cans and other recyclable containers through use of deposits, local recycling of collection points, and other financial incentives. 4.19 Air Pollution Objective Ensure that established ambient air quality standards are observed and improved. Guiding principles 1. Improving air quality will result in reduced environmental respiratory diseases among people. 2. Air quality will depend on the levels of fossil consumed and presence of vegetation cover. Strategies 1. Establish ambient air quality standards and monitor air pollution at designated points. 2. Provide standards for factories, vehicles, and activities which emit pollutants into the atmosphere. "' 3. Register all major industries which pollute air and monitor their compliance with laid down standards. 4. Provide air-quality guidelines for the abatement of air pollution. 5. Encourage revegitation programmes with particular emphasis to indigenous species in rural areas. 6. Promote regional cooperation aimed at mitigating transboundary movement of pollutants across territorial borders. 4.20 Noise Pollution Objective Reduce noise levels and control of noise pollution aiming at the creation and maintenance of comfortable and healthy environment. Guiding principle The human body is stressed by noise above normal thresholds, resulting in physical and psychological impairment. Strategies I. Establish guidelines for the control of neighbourhood noises, especially with respect to taxis and their horns, markets, construction sites, discos and meeting places. 2. Prescribe permissible noise levels in noise prone industries and construction sites, and instal appropriate equipment to control noise levels. 3. Establish quiet zones in game parks, recreational centers and other areas set aside for public use. 4. Ensure compliance with stipulated standards by conducting periodic audit checks. 4.21 Industry and MininK Objective Promote industrial and mining activities which are not detrimental to the protection and conservation of the environment. Guiding Principles (a) Industrial and mining development need pollution control measures otherwise would cause environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. (b) Safe waste disposal is key to environmental management in industrial and mining development. ( c) A safe and healthy operating environment is essential for industrial and mining production. (d) Use of environmentally friendly and energy saving industrial and mmmg technologies enhance sustainable development. ( e) Restoration of abandoned mining sites would minimize risks and hazards and ultimately enhance the aesthetic value of the environment. Strategies (a) Adopt industrial and mining policies and plans that are consistent with proper management of natural resources and the environment. (b) Encourage recycling technologies for industrial and mining wastes in order to improve efficiently and ultimately minimize wastes to the environment. ( c) Enact industrial and mining laws for prevention of environmental pollution and maintenance of ecological balance. ( d) Require waste generators to pretreat effluents in accordance with established standards before discharge to the environment. ( e) Encourage development of industries that are based on domestic raw materials and use of technology that is appropriate for the local environment. (f) Make restoration of mined out areas as a mandatory condition to mmmg licensing. (g) Provide incentives to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in industry and mining. (h) Subject industrial and mining operations to EIA. (i) Promote cleaner production technologies in order to reduce levels of industrial emissions to the environment. ,. 4.22 Environmental Impact Assessment, Audits and Monitorine Objective Develop a system and guidelines for environmental impact assessment (EIA), audits, monitoring, and evaluation so that adverse environmental impacts can be eliminated or mitigated and environmental benefits enhanced. Guiding Principles (a) Development programmes and activities which are likely to have a negative impact on the environment require systematic assessment and evaluation procedure. (b) EIA shall be a legal requirement for development activities and projects taking into account public participation. ( c) EIAs will consider not only biophysical impacts but will also address environmental impacts arising from social, economic, political and cultural conditions. ( d) Environmental mitigation plans will be required for all activities where the EIA has determined a negative environmental threshold. ( e) Environmental audits, including inspections, record keeping and monitoring will be required for activities as determined by the mitigation plans or otherwise. (f) Environmental Impact Assessments and Statements shall be made public and public comments on them invited and taken into consideration. (g) EIA procedures should be cost effective, appropriate, reasonable and commensurate with the size, scope and relative impacts of the project or programme in question. Strategies (a) Enact a law which demands EIA as well as environmental audits for development activities and projects, mandatory. (b) Develop EIA standards and prescribe guidelines and regulations concerning the preparation of environmental impact statements, audits, monitoring and evaluation. (c) Notify, by Government Gazette, the types and sizes of projects for which EIA may be required. ( d) Require that any person, private or public organisation, desiring to develop a project for which an environmental impact assessment may be required must submit a project brief. (e) Create and promote awareness on EIA among communities in order to increase public participation. (t) Review Environmental Impact Statements and take necessary actions to ensure that adverse environmental impacts are mitigated. (g) Develop EIA capacity in sectoral ministries, departments and institutions including NGOs and community based organisations. Getting People Involved 4.23 Gender Issues Objective Ensure integration of gender, youth and children concerns in environmental policy planning and management. Guiding principles 1. The role of gender m environmental and development needs to be acknowledged. 2. Gender analysis methodologies and tools should be an integral part of the basic training in environmental and natural resource management. 3. Training, research and environmental programme implementation should incorporate gender issues. 4. Inculcating environmental awareness and concerns, in children and youth will ensure a better future for Lesotho's environmental management. Strategies 1. Formulate a gender policy which would, inter-alia, consider environmental management by all sectors of society. 2. Review urgently all discriminatory laws against women such as the Deeds Registry Act, Labour Laws, etc, and propose appropriate remedial actions. 3. Strengthen the network of women's groups. 4. Promote environmental education which targeted at various socio-economic groupings in the Lesotho society. 5. Ratify various international conventions, including the Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies, and the UN Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. 6. Accord to women equal rights and access to credit facilities, pensions, and security of employment. 7. Establish a Bureau of Gender Affairs to address gender issues throughout society, especially raise concerning international cooperation; environmental management, political participation; education and training; employment; health and nutrition; the family; housing; research; and the mass media. 4.24 Science and Technology (Research & Development) Objective Promote and expand science and technology education, research and development in order to provide a better understanding and solution of environmental problems and a sound basis for the formulation and assessment of policies and programmes. Guiding principles I. The adoption of environmentally sound technology is a precondition for the efficient and rational use of natural resources. 2. A Council for ·Science & Technology is required to spearhead and coordinate efforts into conservation and sustainable use of Lesotho' s limited natural resources. 3. Providing incentives to trained personnel in science and technology is one way of retaining them in service. Strategies I. Establish a National Council for Science & Technology aiming at promotion, coordination and implementation of science & technology policy. 2. Support scientific and technological research geared to improving environmental conservation and management. 3. Improve and strengthen programmes for the dissemination of research findings through extension services. 4 . Establish national data network for information sharing including environmentally sound technologies to enhance the quality of the environment. 5. Improve and strengthen programmes of dissemination of research findings concerning environmentally sound technologies. 4.25 NGOs, CBOs Religious Organisations and Business Community Objective Strengthen the role of individuals, NGOs, Community-based Organisations (CBO) Religious Organisation and Business Community in environmental management right from the policy-making stage to its implementation. Guiding principles 1. Environmental conservation, protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources can be promoted if community participation, empowerment, and economic benefits from the management of the environment & natural resources are ensured. 2. Government has plans to gradually disengage from being an implementing agency to a regulatory and supervisory agency through environmentally sound economic policy and legislative framework. For this reason, greater demands will eventually be made on NGOs Community Based Organisations (CBO) Religious Organisations and Business Community to implement Environmental programmes and projects. Strategies 1. Establish an outreach facility within the National Environment Secretariat to empower and develop capabilities of environmental and other relevant NGOs and community groups. 2. Disseminate environmental education through electronic media with focus on conservation, restoration and sustainable resource utilization to NGOs and all Basotho. 3. Establish an Environmental Ombudsman to hear complaints and to achieve a common purpose for all sectors of society in matters concerning environment. 4. Integrate NGOs, Community Based Organisations, Religious Organisation and community business in the policy-making process concerning environmental management. 5. Encourage and strengthen professional bodies, trade unions and farming associations through environmental awareness raising programmes. 6. Encourage sector institutions to utilize the capacity of local NGOs Community Based Organisation Religious Organisation and Business Community in the implementation of environmental activities at the grass-roots level. 4.26 Environmental Education and Public Awareness Objectives 1. Promote environmental education and awareness, change attitudes enhance values and education institutions and the community as a whole for sustainable development. Guiding Principles 1. Promotion of Education, and public awareness is important in enhancing capacity and changing attitudes & values towards environmental management. Integration of environmental dimensions into formal educational programmes at all levels enhances knowledge & skills and raises environmental awareness and concern across a wide spectrum of society. 2. Improved environmental protection requires political will, public support and understanding of its significance. 3. Environmental education awareness shall be promoted through formal and non­ formal education channels by all government departments, NGOs, and the business sector. 4. Environmental education and public awareness programmes will be targeted to all private and public sectors, and the general public, whose activities affect the environment in one way or another. Strategies 1. Develop a national plan of action for carrying out environmental awareness through formal and non-formal education and awareness programmes in the field of environmental management. 2. Establish environmental training and awareness programmes at all levels in order to impart relevant skills essential to protect and enhance the quality of the environment. 3. Conduct research utilising indigenous knowledge on environmental issues related to education. 4. Introduce environmental education in all formal and non-formal educational institutions, strengthen the National Curriculum Development Centre and Lesotho Distance Training Centre to coordinate the implementation of this programme. 5. Facilitate establishment of environmental education associations and clubs in schools, other educational institutions and the public at large. 6. Establish regular environmental programmes for the young, adult and professionals; and disseminate the information through electronic and print media, as well as through traditional methods of communication. 4.27 Public Participation Objectives 1. Encourage individual and community participation in improving their own lives and the environment through sustainable development programmes. Guiding Principles 1. Public participation in their own development programmes will empower the people to be responsible for their own destiny and to have a sense of ownership of the development projects. 2. Taking care of natural resources should no longer be the responsibility of government only; but for sustainability to be assured, people should have a role in managing the natural resources and have a stake in them. Strategies 1. Encourage broadbased participation in the management of natural resources and provide education to achieve sustainable development. 2. Re-orient and train extension officers in all line ministries, as well influence all donor agencies and NGOs, to facilitate community participation in natural resource management and development programmes. 3. Return a significant portion of the benefits accruing from sustainable utilization of natural resources on public and customary lands, e.g. from tourism, to the local communities, whose collaboration is required to conserve the resources, for development activities, i.e. improved social services. 4. Empower local communities by participating in decision-making process through their elected representatives, and/or through pitsos. 5.0 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Objective Establish a national mechanism for the harmonious management of policy formulation and implementation, coordination and cooperation on all matters concerning environment and development. Guiding principles I. Environmental management needs an institution that has the legal authority to advocate for environmental protection, to ensure effective cross-sector coordination, to enforce compliance with environmental protection laws and to provide technical and information services. 2. The location of the institution responsible for environmental management within the Government structure is critical to its effectiveness and provisions must be made to ensure that it has the requisite authority. 3. The environmental management authority must be legally constituted as an autonomous or semi-autonomous body and derive its authority from the framework environmental law. 4. There should be close liaison between the environmental management institution and line ministries and ministries responsible for finance, local government, the NGO sector, the business sector and civil society. Strategies I. Establish the Lesotho Environment Authority (LEA). 2. To provide LEA with the necessary resources and powers to facilitate implementation of the National Environment Policy through the following functions: (a) Advise the Government of Lesotho on national environment policies and on priorities of scientific and technological activities affecting the environment; (b) Ensure the integration of environmental concerns in national planning through coordination with other line ministries. ( c) Serve as coordinator of all sectoral activities that affect the environment including NGOs and private organizations; ( d) Promote cooperation in environmental management with similar bodies in other countries and with international bodies concerned with the protection of the environment; ( e) Collect and make available through publications and other appropriate means and in cooperation with public and private organizations, basic scientific data and other information pertaining to pollution, degradation and environmental conservation matters; (f) Establish such environmental criteria, guidelines, specifications or standards for the protection of the land, air, water, health and welfare of the population from environmental degradation; (g) Establish guidelines and procedures for industrial and agricultural activities in order to minimize environmental damage from such activities; (h) Establish guidelines/controls for the extraction of natural mineral resources, including sand and gravel; (i) Develop, promote, coordinate and support environmental monitoring programmes, research efforts, basic data and other environmental related date as appropriate; (j) Review and approve Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements as appropriate. (k) Support training and technical assistance to staff and other bodies, private or public, concerning implementation of EIA, environmental criteria guidelines and standards and enforcement of the regulations and standards; (1) Maintain public education and awareness programmes to enhance public understanding of environmental management issues such as management of litter, water conservation and materials recycling; (m) Develop and promote such processes, methods, devices and materials as may be useful in carrying out the purposes and functions of the Authority. Special attention should be paid to supporting women's organizations; (n) Enhance cooperation among all tiers of government in environmental protection, planning, monitoring and enforcement; ( o) Enter into contracts with public or private organizations and individuals for the purposes of executing and fulfilling functions and responsibilities of the Authority; (p) Make grants to suitable authorities and bodies with similar functions for demonstration and for such other purposes as may be determined appropriate to further the purposes and functions of the Authority; ( q) Establish advisory committees or bodies composed of persons with relevant experience in the field of environmental management; and (r) Receive grants, gifts, or other property upon such terms as will enhance the functions of the Secretariat. The Lesotho Environment Authority (LEA) shall have a Governing Council consisting of the following members: (a) The Prime Minister who shall be chairman; (b) The Ministers responsible for Agriculture, cooperatives, marketing and Youth Affairs. (c) The Ministry responsible for Natural Resources. (d) Ministry responsible for Trade and Industry. (e) The Ministry responsible for Tourism, Sports and Culture. (f) The Ministry responsible for Works. (g) Ministry responsible for Economic Planning. (h) Two members of Senate nominated by members of Senate. (i) Two members of the National Assembly nominated by members of the National Assembly. G) A representative of Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of NGOs. (k) A representative of the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (1) The Chief Executive of the Authority who shall be the Secretary. (m) A representative of political parties other than the ruling party nominated by political parties. (n) A representative of the Christian Council of Lesotho appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Christian Council of Lesotho. ( o) A person who has knowledge and experience in environmental issues appointed by the Prime Minister. (p) The Chairman of the Board. Functions of the Council The Council shall - a) be the supreme body in the formulation of policy; b) set national goals and objectives and determine policies and priorities for environmental management; c) promote cooperation among government departments, local authorities, private sector, non-governmental organisations and other Organisations engaged in environmental management; d) recommend measures necessary for the harmonisation of the plans and policies of various sectors; e) identify obstracles in the implementation of environmental policy and programmes and ensure implementation of these policies and programmes; f) recommend measures necessary for the integration of environmental consideration in all aspects of Socio-economic planning Technical Advisory Committee on Environment There should be a Technical Advisory Committee on Environment which shall be composed of ten members whose experience shall reflect the various fields of environmental management. Functions of the Technical Advisory Committee The Technical Advisory Committee shall - a) Advise the Authority on any Environment; b) review the achievements of the authority taking into account goals and targets set; c) review and advise the Authority on any environmental impact assessments of project and activities to be undertaken in Lesotho; d) review and advice the Authority on environmental standards, guidelines and regulations. The existing elected District Development Councils shall be responsible for environmental matters at district level in line with the provisions of this policy. 6.0 LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS Objective Institute a framework environmental law for the implementation of the National Environment Policy. Guiding principles 1. Promulgation of the framework law will enhance principles of sustainable development and take cogniz.ance of the political, social, cultural and economic dimensions prevailing in the country. 2. A framework law provides space for formulating, reviewing and updating sectoral laws on environmental management, including incentives and punitive measures. 3. Regional and international cooperation through ratification and implementation of environmental conventions, agreements and treaties, as well as payment of financial contributions to the relevant international bodies are done efficiently within a national framework law. 4. Legalisation of the Lesotho Environment Authority contributes to the efficient management of environmental affairs in the country. Strategies l. Consolidate, strengthen, provide and extend legislation for environmental protection and improvement in all spheres whilst also providing for effective implementation and enforcement procedures. 2. Promulgate a series of appropriate environmental protection laws. 3. Stipulate and disseminate widely procedures and regulations for implementing the National Environment Policy. 4. Establish, as a constitutional duty of the Government of Lesotho, intentions to safeguard the environment and aspire to have a healthy environment and a healthy nation. 7.0 INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONVENTIONS AND TREATIES In order to ensure effective implementation of international or regional treaties and conventions concerning environmental management to which Lesotho has ratified and will accede to in the future, national laws consistent with those treaties will be promulgated and implemented. Lesotho will continue to participate actively, regionally and internationally, in the development and codification of international environmental laws, instruments and guidelines, and facilitate their adoption and inclusion in national laws and procedures. Lesotho shall endeavour to keep a register of all international or regional conventions and treaties concerning the management of the environment or natural resources to which it is a Party. 8.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION Periodic evaluation and monitoring of overall programmes and activities will be necessary in order to ensure that the provisions of this policy are successfully implemented. Such activities will include: 1. Regular State of the Environment Reports shall be issu~ by the Lesotho Environment Protection Authority. 2. There shall be case studies undertaken and implemented for purposes of evaluating various environmental problems and drawing lessons in form of guidelines for approaches, methodologies, and service management strategies. The conclusions drawn from the case studies will be disseminated widely to the relevant target groups and end-users. 3. The link between poverty and environment, and hence social justice and sustainable development, shall be monitored and evaluated to ensure that all sectors of society, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups - the poor, women, the old, children, and others - are involved in an integrated and all embracing manner in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy. 4. Regular audits of existing industries, major development projects of all types, such as new highways, irrigation schemes, sizeable urban subdivisions, and Lesotho Highlands Water Project shall be undertaken with the aim of ensuring that industries comply with this environmental policy and the corresponding environmental framework law.