(CMR) A group of concerned citizens has started an online petition calling for the preservation of the National Conservation Act, and others plan to march in the community after news emerged that the UPM Government could make major changes to it.
According to a local publication, the UPM government has been holding a series of closed-door meetings in recent weeks in an effort to change the National Conservation Law to remove the already limited powers it provides to protect the environment.
According to the publication, the UPM wants the requirement for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for government projects removed, the National Conservation Council‘s composition altered, the technical expertise removed, and public departments to decide whether or not projects such as roads and multi-story tower blocks need to be referred to the NCC.
Parliament has allegedly been postponed until 5 July to give the administration time to draft the changes to the conservation legislation and still allow the 21-day consultation period before the MPs debate the law.
#DontPaveParadise, a group of concerned citizens lobbying for the protection of the environment, has pointed out that the only protection in law for the natural resources in the Cayman Islands is the National Conservation Act (2013).
“It protects our wildlife and their habitats on land and water. It ensures the unique beauty and biodiversity of the Cayman Islands will still be here for future generations to enjoy,” #DontPaveParadise stated.
“While a National Development Plan might help the country achieve a better balance between economic, social, and environmental interests, it cannot provide the same legal protections as the National Conservation Act. And with the recently updated Planning Statement only in draft form, we do not know yet what that balance will be,” the group added.
The group explained that the National Conservation Act does not prevent development; it simply requires that the impact on the environment is considered and minimized before building begins. Far from being a hindrance, the volume of projects approved and completed since the Act was passed in 2013 has grown every year.
“At a time when our population is growing fast and available land space is shrinking, environmental protections are more important than ever. Let’s say no to anything that might weaken the only environmental protection we have,” #DontPaveParadise added.