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This basic enactment of the Palestinian Legislative creates a framework for the protection of the environment, public health and biodiversity in Palestine including marine areas. Its 82 sections are divided into 5 Titles: Definitions and general provisions (I); Environmental protection (II); Environmental impact assessment, licensing, inspection and administrative procedure (III); Penalties (IV); Final provisions (V). Article 1 contains an extensive list of definitions, including "natural reserves" and "international waters". Objectives of this Law are set out in article 2. Article 3 states the right of any person to complain or initiate legal proceedings against natural or juridical persons causing harm to the environment and the right to obtain official information regarding environmental impact. Title II is divided into 5 Chapters: Land environment (1); Air environment (2); Water environment (3); Marine environment (4); Protection of natural and historical archaeological zones (5). Chapter 1 includes provisions regarding the manufacturing, importation, distribution, use and storage of pesticides and fertilizers, and provisions that deal with desertification and drifting of land. Specialised agencies (not defined), in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Affairs shall devise a public policy for land use (art. 6). The Ministry shall also devise instructions and standards for the use of agro-chemicals (art. 15). Transportation of soil of arable land for purposes other than farming is strictly prohibited under section 18. Under Chapter IV the Ministry shall lay down standards for coastal and offshore construction and quality standards for marine water. Provisions of Chapter V lay the basis for the declaration of natural parks by the Ministry. Title III is divided into 3 Chapters: Environmental impact assessment (1); Licensing (2); Inspection and administrative procedure (3). The Ministry in coordination with the specialised agencies shall set norms to determine which activities shall be subject to environmental impact assessment (art. 45). Chapter 2 lays down general principles regarding the granting of environmental licenses and "environmental approval" of the Ministry. The Ministry, through specialised agencies, shall follow up on the implementation of decisions regarding EIA (art. 49). Inspection shall be carried out through inspectors of the Ministry and inspectors appointed to other Ministries or agencies (arts. 50 and 51). Article 54 provides for "self-monitoring operations" by owners of facilities in accordance with rules stipulated by the Ministry. The owner shall report to the Ministry or any agency prescribed by Executive Regulation (sect. 54). Penalties specified in Title IV shall be applied to offences unless more severe penalties are specified in other provisions in this Law (art. 58). Section 75 concerns the implementation of international law. The Law shall be implemented by specialised agencies in accordance with article 82.
