Environment can be defined as the surroundings or conditions within which human beings, plants and animals operate. Protection on the other hand means to safeguard. Environment protection can be comprehended as all the measures followed to safeguard various facets of environment. It involves protection of flora and fauna residing in the surroundings.

Due to advancement in science and technology, Though the world is developing at a faster pace Consequently there is a hazardous impact on the environment. With the drastic rise in population the earth has been overburdened. The outcome of which can be experienced in the form of natural calamities.

Environment protection is the need of the hour. It is the exercise of protecting the environment by individuals, organization, or government. The main aim behind it is to conserve the natural resources prevent them from degradation. To prevent flora and fauna from getting extinct. The government all over the world have recognized the importance of environment protection. Various measures and steps are adopted by them to safeguard the environment. Various laws are passed in many countries to conserve the resources and to prevent their exploitation.

[i]Measures adopted for environment protection –

Voluntary environment agreements –

Many individuals and organization irrespective of the legislations framed by the government are voluntarily contributing to the society. Environment Improvement Trust (EIT). Example of such agreements are green volunteers.

Many companies through their corporate social responsibility initiatives are entering into voluntary agreements for conserving environment and its resources.

Ecosystem Approach –

This approach of environment protection focuses on the coexistence of the organisms within the ecosystem while making decisions. Instead of simply tackling with issues or solving problems. This approach provides a good exchange of information and improved conservation on a regional basis.

International Environmental Agreements –

Many resources of the earth like air, water, land is under threat due to mankind. These human impacts are not only limited to a single country but extend all over the globe. Recognizing the negative impact on the climate, international environment forums have formed legislations and signed treaties. The agreements made have legal binding whose non-compliance will cause serious legal obligations.

[ii]The UN conference on the human environment was held in Stockholm in 1972, where right to healthy environment was passed. Some of the other well-known International agreements include the Kyoto protocol of 1997 and the Paris agreement of 2015.

[iii]New Zealand Environment Laws

In New Zealand unlike other countries there is a specialized court for environment law. The environment law there is an unambiguous body of national law. The environment court of New Zealand is known as “Te Kooti Taiao o Aotearoa” in their native language Maori. The court is established specially to decide matters related to environment issues.

Environment legislation includes various acts for management and conservation of resources. They are- resource management act 1991, local government act 2002, Hazardous substances and new organisms act 1996, conservation act 1987, fisheries act 1996.

• [iv]Resource management act, 1991

The main purpose behind establishment of this act is to manage the use, development, and protection of resources both physical and natural resources. This act aims in accomplishing three functions- firstly, to manage the impacts of human activities on land, air, and water. secondly, to manage and keep a check on the publicly used resources i.e., lakes, rivers etc. thirdly, preventing any hazardous discharge into water bodies by industries and manufacturing units.

The control is in the hands of local government, the power is delegated to those committees who are mostly affected. The central government tends to frame various guidelines which the local authorities must follow.

• [v]Hazardous substances and new organisms act, 1996

This act aims in managing and keeping a check on the production and importation of hazardous substances including toxic, corrosive, flammable explosives etc. this act governs introduction and development of new organisms through genetically modification. Produce of new varieties of plants and animals are covered in this act.

The government is supported by statutory committee called ‘Nga Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao’, which are directly connected with and are interested in Maori tribe and its culture.

• [vi]Conservation act, 1987

This act was formulated to conserve the natural resources and heritage of New Zealand. it aims in- managing land, air, water, and other natural resources, to promote among public merits of conserving resources, to promote tourism, to preserve and protect freshwater fisheries.

Environment Protection Act

The main aim of environment protection act is to enforce and ensure compliance at the same point of time. The legislation is formulated both at the center and local level. The government in New Zealand is supported by multiple committees who are interested in the protection and conservation of affected areas or the areas under risk. Strict monitoring compliance systems are imposed by the government.

Laws are established for protection, conservation, and preservation of all resources. In marine sector, the authorities must ensure that all laws are complied with thoroughly. It is necessary for the protection of marine life. Proper measures should be taken to prevent oil spills or other accidental happenings. They aim to aware tourists and locals the importance of conservation of resources.

New Zealand vision is to make available a happy and healthy living environment. [vii]The ministry for the environment sole moto is Aotearoa- he whenua mana Kura Mo te tangata, meaning making New Zealand Aotearoa the most livable place in the world. It is the first country to pledge carbon-neutral future. They have formulated and efficient waste strategy. It offers waste disposal at low costs with minimum risks involved. The waste disposal strategy there is consistent with sustainable development approach.

[viii]New Zealand has a specialized act for the protection of ozone layer. The act lays down the controls for ozone-depleting substances. It prohibits use, import and development of ozone depletion substances. The act makes breach of such prohibition an offence. The legislation even prohibits export and import of hydrofluorocarbons and fire extinguishers which contain such ozone depletion substances.

Conclusion

Irrespective of various challenges faced by the ministry of environment in New Zealand, their way of formulation and management is commendable. They not only believe in the enforcement of laws, but its compliance is equally important. The New Zealand government aims at development however not at the cost of environment depletion. They are paving the way for the development of effective new methods ensuring climate conservation, for reducing occurrence of floods, earthquakes, melting of glaciers, ozone depletion and to reduce its harmful effects on the society.

They are adopting every means possible and can understand all the threats to environment which can be clearly seen in the form of drastic climate changes which are trigger warnings to humanity. Every country in the world must follow this approach. The development which disturbs the balance of the nature can never be fruitful. Steps must be taken by every country together as they are not a concern for a particular country but is the global issue. Let us pledge to make not only New Zealand but the world to become a better place to live in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can environment protection be achieved?

Environmental protection can be achieved by formulating a national policy on conservation of natural resources. Only formulation will not fulfill the requirement, Enforcement and compliance are equally important. Policies on climate change and protection of ozone layer should be implemented. Environment protection should not only be the concern of government, but also local people and communities must come forward, take initiative, and perform such tasks which are possible on their part for the safeguard of environment.

Can development and environment protection be concurrent?

Yes, it is possible that development and environment protection could be concurrent. It is essential for long term sustainability. It is beneficial for life in every form. Whether it is flora or fauna, human or animals each of us living in the society are affected by it. Strategies and decisions should be based on progress and development of the mankind and environment. Greed must not be the master and both environment and development must go hand in hand.

Why it is important?

Environment protection is important because it is the home to all flora, fauna, and mankind. Its protection and conservation are our duty to future generations. Environment protection should not be a mere concern of the government of different countries but of every individual. We cannot afford to compromise with the environment we live in. As we have seen in recent years whenever development is given priority at the cost of environment, it has led to destruction in form of various natural hazards.

Reference

[i] Ibid

[ii] Ibid

[iii] www.mfe.govt.nz

[iv] Ibid

[v] Ibid

[vi] Ibid

[vii] Ibid

[viii] Ibid