Permanent Secretary for Environment, Joshua Wycliffe opened a business round table in Nadi yesterday, with a focus on the Environment Management Act 2005.
The round table is about how natural resources can be protected and raising awareness on the processes and requirements needed to do so.
Wycliffe says as of 2014, our natural resources – especially ecosystem resources were valued to the tune of $2.5 billion.
The discussion covered processes for environment impact assessments permits for waste disposal, recycling, the Ozone Depleting Substances Act 1998, endangered and protected Species Act 2002 and their requirements.
He adds there have been many complaints raised on delays so they wanted the industry to have a look behind-the-scene into the work processes, what paperwork is required and to get an input and insight into the industries.
The purpose is to be able to develop, design and deliver a service delivery that is efficient, tangible, fast and reliable he added.
Business stakeholders used the opportunity to clarify aspects such as required fees for permits, waste disposal, inspections and national budgetary allocations among other issues.
Questions on ozone-depleting substances from the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry and gas developments were also raised.
This is the third business roundtable discussion held by the Ministry of Environment and Waterways, following earlier sessions in Suva and Savusavu.
