NEA concludes 2-day capacity building for lawmakers on environmental health
By Sulayman Waan
The National Environmental Agency (NEA) last Saturday ended a capacity building for the National Assembly Select Committee on Environment and Chairpersons of various select committees of the Parliament at a ceremony held at NaNA.
The training aimed at enhancing the capacity of elected National Assembly Members, especially the select committees on Environment, and to enhance their understanding of the various environmental Acts and Regulations.
It was also meant to secure commitment and support from NAMs to expedite the ratification of pending draft Bills when they are tabled before the National Assembly.
The NEA was established by section 9 of NEMA 1994 as the principal body responsible for the coordination of environmental management in the country. This includes the regulation of environmental protection in all aspects. In other words, as an Agency, it is not involved in the direct implementation of environmental policies but to ensure that the implementation of various environmental and related policies are well coordinated and regulated.
Jagga Touray, director of inter-sectoral service for NEA in deputizing for his Executive Director said “Environmental degradation is a major concern that threatens our future development endeavors; and the impacts are evident in all aspects including health, livelihoods and local development initiatives.”
“Recent problems associated with land degradation, biodiversity loss, and other climate change-related impacts including flash floods and coastal erosion are felt by everyone. This phenomenon is expected to get worst with the rapid population growth and urbanization,” he noted.
Representing the chair of the Select Committee on Environment, Hon. Suwaibou Touray, commended NEA for organizing such an important training for NAMs. He said many Bills related to the environment are expected to be table at the parliament in 2023.
In this regard, he said the training would enable the NAMs to have a thorough understanding of environmental matters.
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Constituency said the training will help lawmakers gain the needed knowledge of environmental health and enable them to debate on issues related to the environment.
SW/COB/14/12/22
