Environmental watchdog, EPA, transferred under Environment Ministry

The government has denied allegations of abolishment of Maldives’ environmental watchdog, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citing that the Agency, which had remained independent up until present, has been transferred under the Environment Ministry.

Addressing rumors on social media suggesting the abolishment of the EPA and its transfer under the Environment Ministry prompted by amendments to the law construing powers vested with the Agency, the Ministry clarified that these claims are inaccurate. On the contrary, the Ministry said EPA is not being dissolved; rather, its name is being changed, along with some modifications to its administrative functioning and regulations.

In an announcement shortly after the Ministry’s comment, the President’s Office said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, through a presidential directive, has decided that EPA will now operate directly under Environment Ministry, moving away from its previous oversight by a governing board.

EPA was also remanded to ‘Environmental Regulatory Authority’ in the presidential directive.

According to the President’s Office, the restructuring is designed to reflect the primary responsibilities of the institution as a regulatory body for the environment more accurately while enhancing its capacity to regulate the environment effectively.

Notably, the changes have been made after amendments that have construed powers granted to EPA, which has always advocated for further powers.

According to the amendment published on the government gazette:

• Required to apply for EIA to the Ministry, or a party decided by the Ministry, before commencing any developmental projects
• All due processes ahead of applying for EIA for projects allocated special priority by the government, as determined by the Minister should be completed within the shortest possible time without any delays
• Projects prioritized by the government should be determined by the Ministry based on the cabinet’s recommendation

The amendments expand powers granted to the Environment Ministry.

Notably, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had pledged to facilitate more independence with extensive powers to EPA during his administration: a pledge he failed to deliver on.

After the current administration assumed office, Environment Ministry Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that the administration will empower EPA, despite not granting full independence.

The Parliament’s Environment Committee has reviewed multiple cases linked to EPA. While EPA has imposed huge fines for damaging the environment, these fines have not been recovered. Lawmakers had alleged EPA’s negligence in recovering the fines.

EPA has attributed the delays in recovering the fines to lack of resources and budget.

In this regard, EPA’s Director General Ibrahim Naeem said EPA lacked powers presumed by many that they have in terms of enforcing fines. He emphasized lacked of resources faced by EPA, adding that the solution to this is to further empower the institution.