Minister of FNC Affairs commends cooperation between the FNC and government

The discussion ended with the FNC deciding to resend the previously rejected law to a specialized committee for reconsideration. Amendments suggested by FNC members were incorporated in the Council's recommendation to reassess the proposed law.

Dr. Gargash stressed the importance of establishing a process of cooperation and mutual understanding between the FNC and government and said that the FNC's reconsideration of the draft law is evidence of progress in this area. The FNC's specialized committee had previously rejected the law because it did not provide for a board of directors and did not delineate authorities between the Federal Environmental Agency and the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW).

Dr. Gargash said, 'We had a very constructive discussion that resulted in a proposed scope of work for both the Federal Environmental Agency and the MOEW, thus resolving overlap between the two. It was agreed in the FNC session that the new agency should have board members and that all overlap between it and the ministry should be eliminated.'

The FNC has found a way forward to ensure the government initiative to create a federal authority on environment suits the nature of the UAE federal governing system. The draft law, with the suggested changes, is now in line with the government strategy to decentralize and expand areas of local authority. Dr. Gargash said that this demonstrates that the FNC is taking more initiative in guiding government policy in line with His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa's directive on empowering the FNC.

The FNC also approved draft amendments on the terms of reference for the MOEW and on powers of the Minister encompassing the important areas of environmental awareness, private sector involvement, hazardous material handling, and land usage for preservation.

Dr. Gargash also congratulated the FNC members' willingness to reconsider previous recommendations on general subjects during the last few sessions. He also praised members for diligently following through on all necessary procedures for reconsidered items.