2.

LEGAL, POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS

2.1. Government Policy Framework

2.1.1. The constitution of FDRE

Ethiopia's constitution prioritizes environmental protection alongside development.

Articles 43, 44, and 92 outline key rights and objectives:

Right to development: for all Ethiopians and specific communities, with sustainable practices
and public participation.

Environmental rights: everyone deserves a clean environment, and compensation for

environmental harm.This emphasizes the Ethiopian government's responsibility to balance
development with environmental protection and safeguard the well-being of its citizens

2.1.2. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) stems from the Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia,
developed by the Environmental Protection Authority and Ministry of Economic Development in
1997. Promote sustainability, protect biodiversity, manage resource use, value environmental
costs, improve settlements, prevent pollution, and preserve cultural heritage.

Ultimately, improve the health and quality of life for all Ethiopians.The policy emphasizes the
importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for considering social, political,
cultural, physical, and biological impacts of development projects. The EPE aims to achieve
environmental sustainability and improve the wellbeing of Ethiopian citizens through
comprehensive environmental management, including robust EIA processes

2.1.3. Water Resource Management Policy

This policy highlights the importance of balancing water resource utilization with environmental
sustainability. By requiring EIAs for all projects, the policy aims to minimize environmental
harm and promote responsible water management in Ethiopia.
2.1.4. National Health Policy

This policy emphasizes creating a more accessible, equitable, and preventive healthcare system
in Ethiopia through various strategies and partnerships. This policy emphasizes a comprehensive
approach to protect public health by addressing critical environmental factors through
preventative measures, improved infrastructure, and effective monitoring

2.2. Legislative Framework

2.2.1. Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (FDRE, 295/2002)

This proclamation aims to create a more efficient and effective environmental governance
system in Ethiopia by clearly separating roles and responsibilities between different
environmental protection bodies. This can potentially lead to better environmental outcomes
through improved coordination, reduced overlaps, and stronger enforcement.

2.2.2. Environnemental Impact Assesment (Proclamation No. 299/2002)

This proclamation aims to prevent environmental damage by making EIAs mandatory for certain
projects and requiring approval from environmental authorities before project start. It applies to
the Taba Earth Dam project by mandating an EIA and authorization before construction can
begin.

2.2.3. Environnemental Pollution Control (proclamation No. 300/2002)

This proclamation is says every citizen can have obligation to care the
environmental and human health and if it violate the proclamation the is a
punished.

2.2.4. Public Health (proclamation No. 200/2000)

Until the water is qualified by the health authority providing the water suply
service from another water surface and discharge the from another industry is
forbidden
2.2.5. Water Resource Utilization and Management (proclamation No.
197/2000)

This proclamation provides a framework for responsible water management in Ethiopia,

entrusting the MoWR with overseeing water use, setting standards, and ensuring safety to
balance social, economic, and environmental benefits.

2.2.6. Rural Land Administration and Use Proclamation (ANRS, 133/2006)

This proclamation is says and established for land administration and the right to
land holding.

2.2.7. Environmental Guidelines

The general EIA Guideline defines the categories of project that require EIA, lists projects by
category, and sets out the relevant requirements for an EIA according to the guideline the need
for EIA will depend on the nature of the project, specific site conditions and other factors

2.2.8 African Development Bank Integrated Safeguard Systems

The Integrated Safeguard Systems aims to ensure development projects minimize negative
environmental and social impacts, consider vulnerabilities, and operate ethically.

2.2.9 Institutional and Administrative Framework

This section emphasizes the importance of clear roles and collaboration between agencies for
effective EIA implementation in Ethiopia. By facilitating communication and ensuring
compliance with requirements, the EPA plays a key role in achieving sustainable environmental
outcomes and illustrates the multi-layered structure of the EIA system in Ethiopia, highlighting
the EPA's role in guiding and evaluating EIAs, and the WEPLAUSO's responsibility for
monitoring mitigation measures implementation. It also clarifies the division of functions within
WEPLAUSO between environmental protection and land administration.