Legislation must encourage positive action, and hence be facilitative, not just punitive. The Law Programme works on this principle, to frame laws that enable and encourage citizens to use natural resources sustainably. In doing so, it adopted a unique and innovative approach to law making - public consultation. One such example has been the drafting of the Pakistan Environment Protection Act, that was finally approved by the Federal Cabinet in 1996. Similarly at the request of the NWFP government, the NWFP Environment Act was produced after extensive public consultation. The Act was revised to incorporate the comments received. The Law Programme is also assisting the NWFP government to review and revise all the provincial laws related to the use of natural resources, particularly on wildlife, forestry and land use. The aim is to devise incentive-based laws that encourage communities to manage resources sustainably. Another important milestone is the support provided to the Government of NWFP in drafting good governance legislation for the province.

Work has also begun on the formulation of a federal level Pakistan Wildlife Policy, and the subsequent drafting of legislation based on the policy. This has meant a review of the laws pertaining to the Convention on Biological Diversity, with recommendations for future legislative action. Legal assistance, in the form of a plan to set up a biodiversity trust fund was provided to the Biological Diversity with Rural Community Development Project in the Northern Areas.

The Law Programme has also focused on the development of environmental law facilities. These have included the development of a layperson’s guide to legislation on environmental issues and a companion reference volume for lawyers.

The Law Programme is extending legal support to IUCNP projects, through its work on trust funds for the environment. One of its main objectives will be the completion of model wildlife legislation, as well as drafts of good governance and other legislative documents for the NWFP. As part of its ongoing consciousness raising efforts, it has held a series of training seminars on environmental law.

Click here to visit IUCN Pakistan’s Information base of Environmental Laws in Pakistan