PART X
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

75.    In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires-

Interpretation

"derelict land" means land that is damaged by extractive or other industrial or agricultural activities or that is unsightly and is incapable of reasonable beneficial use;

"land use" includes an activity that has an impact on land, water, soil, air, fauna and flora;

"natural resources" shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Natural Resources Conservation Act; and

"rehabilitation" means the restoration of natural resources to their original state or to a reasonable state acceptable to the Inspectorate.

76.    The Council shall-

(a)        conduct or sponsor research on land use practices and their impact on natural resources, and such other studies which shall be the basis for better conservation and protection of natural resources;

(b)        establish and review land use guidelines;

(c)        with the approval of the Minister, make regulations for the conservation and protection of natural resources;

(d)        monitor dereliction of land and where derelict land exists, assess the nature of rehabilitation works required;

(e)        monitor land contamination and where such contamination exists, assess the nature of any rehabilitation works required;

(f)         carry out campaigns to increase public awareness about natural resources conservation;

(g)        take stock of the nation's natural resources and their utilisation in liaison with other relevant agencies and experts dealing with natural resources conservation; and

(h)        do all such other acts and things as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Part.

Responsibilities of Council

77.  (1)  The Council may direct any person responsible for land dereliction or contamination to carry out rehabilitation works, within a reasonable specified time, to the satisfaction of the Inspectorate.

Rehabilitation works

(2)  Where the Inspectorate believes that land contamination warrants immediate correction, it may carry out rehabilitation works and may charge all or part of the costs of those works to the person responsible for causing the dereliction or contamin-ation who shall pay such costs within a specified reasonable time.

(3)  (a)  Any person who fails to comply with a directive made by the Inspectorate under this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(b)  A court, in addition to any other penalty which it may impose, may make an order requiring that person to comply with the directive within a specified reasonable time.

78.    An inspector may-

(a)        make such inquiries and examinations as are necessary to ascertain whether this Part is being complied with;

(b)        carry out surveys and interviews which will assist in the proper management and conservation of natural resources;

(c)        inspect land uses to determine their impact on the quality and quantity of natural resources; and

(d)        publicise land use guidelines and natural resources conservation regulations.

Powers of inspectors relating to natural resources

79.    Subject to section eighty, Parts I, II, III and VIII of the Natural Resources Conservation Act are hereby repealed.

Repeal of certain Parts of Cap. 156 of old edition

80.    Notwithstanding section seventy-nine ministerial orders, conservation plans, and regulations made by statutory instrument under the Parts I, II, III and VIII of the Natural Resources Conservation Act shall remain in full force and effect until they are amended, rescinded or replaced by orders, conservation plans, or regulations under this Act.

Savings