Functions of the Department

The powers, duties and functions of the Department shall be to– (a) be responsible for the continuous and long- term assessment of natural resources and of (b) ensure the protection and rational use of natural resources for the benefit of the present and future generations; (c) prevent and control pollution by coordinating all activities relating to the discharge of wastes into the environment; (d) control the volume, types, constituents and effects of wastes, discharges, emissions, deposits or other sources of emission and substances which are of danger or a potential danger to the quality of the environment; (e) issue the necessary licences, with or without conditions, for use for the exercise of activities that may cause pollution; 14 (f) undertake surveys and investigations into the causes, nature, extent and prevention of pollution and to assist and co-operate with other persons or bodies carrying out similar surveys or investigations; (g) conduct, promote, and co-ordinate research in relation to any aspect of environmental pollution or the prevention thereof , and to develop criteria for the protection and improvement of the environment; (h) specify methods to be adopted in taking samples and making tests for the purpose of this Act; (i) maintain a register of all wastes, discharges, emissions, deposits or other sources of emission or substances which are of danger or potential danger to the environment; (j) undertake investigations and inspections to ensure compliance with this Act or the regulations made thereunder; (k) provide information and education to the public regarding the importance of protection and improvement of the environment; (l) undertake resource inventories, surveys and ecological analyses to obtain information on the social and bio-physical environment with special reference to environmentally sensitive areas and areas where development is already taking place or likely to take place; (m) examine and evaluate and if necessary carry out environmental impact assessments and risk analysis and to make suitable 15 recommendations to mitigate against harmful effects of any proposed action on the (n) monitor environmental health; (o) advise the Government on the formulation of policies relating to good management of natural resources and the environment; (p) recommend measures aimed at controlling pollution resulting from industrial process or otherwise; (q) advise on any aspect of conservation; (r) provide decision-making with the necessary information so as to achieve long-term sustainable development; (s) highlight the value of wetland ecosystems and promote successful management approaches in their utilization; (t) assist the Forestry Department in promoting the development of a balanced forestry management programme; (u) conduct studies and make recommendations on standards relating to the improvement of the environment and the maintenance of a sound ecological system; (v) monitor trends in the use of natural resources and their impact on the environment; (w) advise on the effects of any sociological or economic development of the environment; 16 (x) play a major role in providing the direction for long-term sustainable development based on the promotion or incorporation of ecological concerns in the economic development (y) foster, through inter-ministerial cooperation, the prudent use and proper management of the natural resources of Belize, the control of pollution of the natural environment and the re-establishment of an ecological equilibrium, where needed, so as to guarantee a better quality of life for present and future generations; (z) encourage governmental and non- governmental institutions/ agencies to align their activities with the ideas of sustainable development; (aa) exercise any other functions relating to the protection of the environment.