Public consultations and participation

(1) Any declaration, alteration, re-classification or revocation of a declaration, of a protected area, and the preparation of a protected area management plan, shall follow National Protected Areas System [CAP. 215 23 (a) an integrated assessment of the ecological, social and economic status of the area, potential impacts and contribution to the National Protected Areas System; and (b) such consultative process as may be appropriate in the circumstances, but must ensure consultation with nearby communities and affected parties of the area and follow a process of public participation in accordance with the requirements of sub-section (2). (2) In accordance with sub-section (1), the Minister or the appropriate Minister under the Fisheries Act or the Forests Act shall publish the intention to declare, alter, re-classify or revoke a declaration of a protected area in two of the leading national newspapers and the government Gazette and also on air on two national radio stations. (3) The publication contemplated in the sub-section (2) above shall– (a) invite members of the public and all affected persons to submit to the Minister written representations on or objections to the proposed notice within 60 days from the date of publication in the Gazette; and (b) contain sufficient information to enable members of the public to submit meaningful representations or objections, and must include a clear indication of the area that will be affected. (4) The Minister or other appropriate Minister may in appropriate circumstances allow any interested person to make oral representations or objections. 24 (5) The Minister or other appropriate Minister shall give due consideration to all representations including community observations received or presented before publishing the relevant notice; but shall not be bound by any representation or objection given and shall make an independent determination. area.