Environmental protection law

This law, which replaces Law No. 16/93, sets the general principles of national environmental protection policy in support of sustainable development. It aims at the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the fight against pollution and nuisances, better living conditions, the promotion of income-generating activities linked to the environment and the balancing of development with the protection of nature. It enshrines the precautionary and polluter-pays principles, access to information and public participation. It covers environmental impact assessments, waste management, water pollution, ozone layer protection and climate change, as well as liability, offences and penalties. Every industrial, mining, forestry or infrastructure project is subject to it.