A/HRC/43/53/Add.1 national environment council and for related matters.” It plays another important role in that it establishes and regulates the process for environmental impact assessments.7 21. The Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations govern the environmental impact assessment process of Fiji. They require every proponent of a development proposal to apply to the approving authority for a screening of the proposal and a decision under part 4 of the Environment Management Act before undertaking any work that could damage the environment. The Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulations provide essential oversight for solid waste management. 22. The Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy Act (2015) established a levy that applies to a range of goods and services primarily used by tourists and wealthy Fijians, such as hotels, large engines, tourism activities and yacht docking fees. In 2017, regulations established a fee on plastic bags, which was increased to F$ 0.50 per bag in 2019.8 23. In recent years Fiji has created a plethora of important environmental policies, including the National Climate Change Policy 2018–2030 (2019), the Fiji Low Emission Development Strategy 2018–2050 (2018), the National Adaptation Plan Framework (2017), the NDC9 Implementation Roadmap (2017), the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2017–2024, the National Air Pollution Strategy, the Green Growth Framework (2014), the Integrated Coastal Management Framework, the National Solid Waste Management Strategy, and the National Liquid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan. These policies, strategies and plans are principled, detailed and admirable documents. The challenge for Fiji is to implement the large number of environmental commitments it has undertaken, in order to meet its ambitious sustainable development objectives. 24. The Department of Environment, which is part of the Ministry of Waterways and Environment, is the lead environmental agency tasked with formulating, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the national environmental policies of Fiji. The Climate Change and International Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Economy coordinates climate-related action, including climate finance, adaptation efforts and monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Several other ministries, departments and agencies have significant environmental roles. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport oversees the Department of Energy (responsible for implementing the National Energy Policy), the Water Authority of Fiji (drinking water and wastewater treatment), and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (marine pollution). 10 The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is the main governing body for the use of State land and mining resources. The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests oversees the conservation and sustainable management of two sectors that are both environmentally and economically important for Fiji. III. Environmental context and challenges 25. Comprised of 332 islands (only one third of which are inhabited), Fiji has a total land area of 18,272 square kilometres and an exclusive economic zone covering 1.3 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. The islands are mountainous and covered in tropical forests and farms. Settlements are concentrated along coastlines, with more than half of the population now living in towns and cities. 26. The majority of the population of Fiji is comprised of the iTaukei indigenous people. The iTaukei not only possess title to over 90 per cent of the land area of Fiji, but also play an important role in coastal and marine management through their customary qoliqoli system. Indigenous people are especially dependent on healthy ecosystems and biodiversity for food, water, culture and livelihoods. Environmental degradation threatens all of these 7 8 9 10 6 Fiji Environmental Law Association and EDO NSW, Towards an Effective Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Fiji: Policy and Law Discussion Paper (Suva, Fiji Environmental Law Association, 2017), pp. 29 and 30. Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (Plastic Bags) Regulations 2017 (L.N. No. 61 of 2017). NDC: nationally determined contribution. Fiji, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, “Environment: marine pollution”. Available at https://msaf.com.fj/environment/.