Environmental groups call for removal of controversial coastal zone bill provisions

Eight environmental organisations are calling on the government to withdraw controversial provisions in a law on costal zones that was tabled in a parliamentary committee on Wednesday which erodes environmental protections and plan a national policy for climate resilience.

The groups said the bill does not introduce any meaningful positive measures for the effective protection and management of the coastal zone, while crucial provisions related to climate change adaptation are missing (e.g. there is no reference to other natural or man-made risks threatening the coastal and riparian zone, flood risks). 

The bill also fails to provide necessary safeguards and improve the framework for the immediate removal of illegal buildings along the coastline and removes the ban on the concession of "small coastal areas" (less than 5 metres in length or width, or less than 150...