EALA passes Transboundary Ecosystems Bill

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Tuesday debated and passed the East African Community Trans-boundary Ecosystems Bill 2010.The objective of the bill, originally moved by Dr. George Francis Nangale, EALA member from Tanzania, is to provide a legal framework to effectively streamline the management of trans-boundary eco-systems with a view to enhancing the quality of the environment and also ensure sustainable utilisation of shared natural resources in the EAC. It will also establish a commission to manage ecosystems in the region and other related matters.Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Dr. James Ndahiro, Rwandan EALA member, the passing of the bill reflects the region’s efforts in protecting the ecosystem among the EAC partner states.“Ecosystems lead to adequate rainfall in the region; we share the ecosystem resources, for example, the Lake Victoria basin. This resource benefits the surrounding communities, so we should pool our efforts to protect trans-boundary eco-system,” he added.Gervase Akhaabi, a Kenyan member, noted that the bill’s passage will protect people’s livelihoods and manage the resources while Christopher Nakuleu, also from Kenya, called the bill timely.Dr. Aman Kabourou from Tanzania however stated the law would contradict national policies. “While I am not against protecting our shared eco-systems, including Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa basin, we have to be careful so as not to contradict existing policies and laws in the respective partner states,” he cautioned. Legislators noted that climate change was negatively affecting the region and that the sooner the issues were addressed, the better. “It is important for partner States to cede sovereignty so that expectations of the East African people are met,” Hon Sebalu mentioned, stating that the law fully acknowledged and complemented the national laws and institutions on issues of trans-boundary nature.The Bill shall now go through the succeeding stages with the Speaker of the Assembly expected to submit it to the Heads of State for assent. The Bill whose debate was suspended last year received overwhelming support when it came up for debate on the floor of the House. The Council of Ministers had in September 2011 during the 1st Meeting of the 5th Session held in Kigali, requested for more time for consultations. The adjournment was further stayed in November 2011 during the subsequent 2nd Meeting of the 5th Session held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

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EALA passes Transboundary Ecosystems Bill