Establishment
The Committee on Environment, Fisheries and Tourism is established under the Standing Orders of the National Assembly to consider and provide oversight on matters relating to environmental protection, including climate change; the fisheries sector, including the sustainable development of the blue economy; and tourism. The Committee shall also monitor and review the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals within its mandate, identifying areas requiring intervention and ensuring progress toward the achievement of relevant objectives by 2030.
Mandate
The Committee shall examine, oversee and make recommendations on policies, legislation, programs and activities related to:
- Environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity and natural resources management
- Marine and terrestrial ecosystems
- Fisheries, aquaculture and maritime resources
- Tourism development, sustainability and regulation; and
- The blue economy and sustainable development initiatives
In carrying out these functions, the Committee shall ensure alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainable resource use, ecosystem conservation, economic growth, and inclusive, environmentally responsible development.
Objectives
The objectives of the Committee are to:
- Promote environmental consciousness, sustainable environmental management and conservation
- Ensure responsible and sustainable fisheries and marine resource use
- Support the development of a resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector
- Ensure alignment with national development goals and international commitments
- Strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability in the relevant sectors
- Advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating their targets into the Committee’s work and monitoring progress in areas under its mandate.
Functions and powers
The Committee shall have all the powers provided for in the Constitution, the Standing Orders and the Rules of Procedure which shall guide:
- Legislative review
- Oversight
- Inquiries and investigations
- Public engagement
- International and Regional Cooperation
Scope of work
The Committee’s scope includes, but is not limited to:
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Environmental impact assessments and compliance
- Marine conservation, fisheries management and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
- Coastal zone management and marine spatial planning
- Tourism policy, eco-tourism, cultural and community-based tourism
- Waste management, pollution control and sustainable infrastructure
- Promotion of sustainable development education, public awareness, and community engagement initiatives to support the implementation of SDGs
Composition and Meetings
- The Committee shall consist of seven Members appointed as per Article 104(2) of the Constitution.
- The Committee shall elect its own Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson as per the Rules of Procedures for Committees.
- Membership shall reflect the political composition of the National Assembly
- The Committee shall meet as often as required to discharge its mandate
Reporting
- The Committee shall present a Report annually to the National Assembly on its findings and include recommendations
- Reports may include legislative recommendations, policy proposals and follow-up actions
- The Committee may request government responses to its reports
Secretariat Support
The Committee shall be supported by a Committee Clerk and a Clerk Assistant.
