Environmental Management Agency

The Environmental Management Agency is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment, the prevention of pollution and environmental degradation, the preparation of Environmental Plans for the management and protection of the environment. It was established under the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] and enacted in 2002.

Functions of the Agency
(a) Formulation of quality standards on air, water, soil, noise, vibration, radiation and waste management;
(b) Assisting and participating in any matter pertaining to the management of the environment; and in particular
(i) Development of guidelines for the preparation of the National Plan, environmental management plans and local environmental action plans;
(ii) Regulating and monitoring the collection, disposal, treatment and recycling of waste;
(iii) Regulating and monitoring the discharge or emission of any pollutant or hazardous substance into the environment;
(iv) Keeping records in the form of registers of all licences, and permits issued under this Act;
(v) Regulating and monitoring the control of invasive alien species;
(vi) Regulating, monitoring, reviewing, and approving environmental and social impact assessments;
(vii) Regulating and monitoring the management and utilisation of ecologically fragile ecosystems;
(viii) Making model by-laws to establish measures for the management of the environment within the jurisdiction of the local authorities;
(ix) Development and implementation of incentives for the protection of the environment;
(x) Recommending to the Government the conventions which the Country may join, and incorporate their provisions into National law;
(xi) Co-ordinate the production of a report on the state of the environment every five years for the purpose of paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section five;
(xii) Undertaking of any works deemed necessary or desirable for the protection or management of the environmental where it appears to be in the public interest or where in its opinion an appropriate authority has neglected to do so;
(xiii) Serving written orders on any persons requiring them to undertake or adopt such measures as are specified in the orders to protect the environment;
(xiv) Carrying out periodic environmental audits of any projects including projects whose implementation started before the fixed date for the purpose of ensuring that their implementation complies with the requirements of this Act;
(xv) Regulating and monitoring access by any person to the biological and genetic resources of Zimbabwe;
(xvi) Recommending to the Minister the formulation of any regulations pertaining to the provisions of this Act
(xvii) Carrying out any other duties and functions as directed by the Minister.