Cap. 549 Art. 45The National Environment Strategy and its preparation and review.

(1) The Authority shall prepare the National Strategy for the

Environment. In preparing such document the Authority shall consult with all the entities set up under this Act and those other entities, whether public or otherwise including ministries, as the Authority may deem proper.

(2) The Minister shall review the said strategy as often as may be necessary, and in any case not less than once every four years: Provided that if the Authority is unable, for whatever reason, to prepare the National Strategy or its review, shall inform the Minister as soon as practicable and the Minister shall instruct the Authority to delegate such function in terms of article 9 in so doing it shall ensure that the provisions of this Part are complied with.

Provided further that the first Strategy Document shall be drawn up within twenty four months from the coming into force of this Act.

(3) The National Strategy for the Environment is a strategic governance document which sets the policy framework for the preparation of plans, policies and programs issued under this Act or under any other Act for the protection and sustainable management of the environment, including land and sea resources.

(4) In preparing or reviewing the National Strategy for the Environment, the Minister shall have regard to:

(a) the environmental policies and the State of the Environment Report;

(b) the current economic and financial policies;

(c) the current social policies;

(d) the policies of the Government;

(e) the environmental issues and concerns of material relevance to the strategy;

(f) the resources likely to be available in all relevant government entities for the implementation of the strategy; and

(g) the European Union Environment Acquis and other international environmental convention obligations to which Malta is a party.

(5) During the preparation or review of the National Strategy for the Environment the Minister shall make known to the public the matters intended for consideration and shall provide adequate opportunities for individuals and organisations to make representations.