Aus enviro laws

What are the three tiers of Australian environmental legislation?

Commonwealth Legislation, State and Territory Legislation, Local Government Legislation.

What is the core principle of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)?

To balance environmental, social, and economic considerations to meet present needs without compromising the future.

What is the purpose of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)?

To provide a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, and heritage places.

What are Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)?

Crucial environmental and cultural values to Australians; includes World Heritage properties, national threatened species, and Ramsar wetlands.

What does the Precautionary Principle state?

Lack of scientific certainty should not delay measures to prevent serious environmental damage.

What is the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995?

A state-specific legislation in Tasmania that focuses on the protection and recovery of threatened species and their habitats.

What is CITES and what does it aim to do?

CITES is an international agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

What are the 'Five C’s' of the World Heritage Committee?

Credibility, Comprehensiveness, Balance, Conservation, Communication.

What is the definition of Ecological Sustainability?

The capacity of natural systems to endure and maintain their essential functions and values over time.

What does the User Pays Principle advocate?

Users of resources should bear the full costs, including environmental and social costs.

What is the goal of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity?

To design a comprehensive, adequate, and representative system of protected areas for Australia's biodiversity.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons?

A scenario where individuals deplete a shared resource by acting in their own self-interest.

What is a Social License to Operate (SLO)?

The ongoing acceptance or approval from the community and stakeholders for a company's activities beyond regulatory compliance.

Who is responsible for implementing CITES within member countries?

Each member country designates Management and Scientific Authorities to implement CITES.

What are the objectives of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)?

To identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects.

What is a key component of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)?

Specific actions to avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts.