Description of Units

Roles and functions

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Chief Environmental Officer – Martin Alegria

1. The Chief Environmental Officer is the chief officer accountable for the administration of the Environmental Protection Act, 1992/1998 and its subsequent regulations. As such, he is the main technical advisor to the Minister with respect to matters on environmental issues.
2. The CEO is the Chair of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee responsible for the evaluation and approval of Environmental Impact Assessments.
3. The CEO also chairs ad-hoc committees established in the planning and steering of some of DOE’s major activities requiring the assistance and participation of other agencies and organizations.
4. The CEO is responsible for the financial and administrative management of the Department of the Environment.
5. The CEO is responsible for identifying funding for institutional strengthening of the Department.
6. The CEO is responsible for the overall planning and direction of the Department. In this respect, he is primarily responsible the preparation of DOE’s annual budget and implementation plan.
7. The CEO is responsible for representing Belize, both regionally and internationally on matters relating to the environment.
8. The CEO also sits on the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and chairs the National Environmental Committee of NEMO.
9. The CEO is responsible for the preparation of cabinet papers with respect to projects and activities requiring cabinet approval and support.
10. The CEO is the Liaison Officer for the Minister of the Environment to the Central American Commission on the Environment and Development.

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Senior Environmental Officer – Jeavon Hulse

1. The Chief Environmental Officer is the chief officer accountable for the administration of the Environmental Protection Act, 1992/1998 and its subsequent regulations. As such, he is the main technical advisor to the Minister with respect to matters on environmental issues.
2. Assist the Chief Environmental Officer with the financial and general administration of the Department;
3. Oversee the Heads of the various Units in the Department to ensure coordination and good cross fertilization of the Units;
4. Assist the Policy Unit to collect and analyze base line data related to environmental protection and natural resource management, to develop plans and policies which could be recommended for adoption;
5. Assist the Policy Unit in analyzing International Environmental Conventions and Protocols to determine the benefits of Belize’s accession and recommending appropriately; and, also to ensure Follow-up to Commitments made therein;
6. Assist the CEO in serving as Belize’s Focal Point for various International Environmental Agreements and Organizations;
7. Serve as the liaison officer between the Department and the various environmental projects undergoing in Belize;
8. Assist the CEO in the planning and implementation of regional and global environmentally-related events;

Functions of the Environmental Compliance Monitoring And Enforcement Unit;

1. Undertake investigations and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with ECPs, Licenses to Discharge Effluent, the Environmental Protection Act and other regulations made under the Act.
2. Issue Licenses to Discharge Effluent as per the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) Regulations, 1996.
3. Monitor, collect, and analyze effluent and other pollutants.
4. Maintain a register of all wastes, discharges, emissions, deposits or other sources of emissions or substances that are of danger or potential danger to the environment.
5. Undertake surveys and investigations into the causes, nature, extent, and prevention of pollution and generate reports of the investigations.
6. Coordinate and implement programmes for pollution cleanup and other resource recovery improvement.
7. Investigate complaints relating to breaches of the Act or Regulations made thereunder.
8. Issue violation tickets, stop orders, and abatement notices as the need arises
9. Assist in the development and implementation of environmental emergency preparedness plans.
10. Assess developmental, industrial, and all other activities that may have a significant impact on the environment.
11. Develop Environmental Compliance Plans (ECP) for new and existing projects.
12. Develop and implement a Public Awareness Programme to provide information and education to the public regarding the importance of the protection and improvement of the environment. This includes attending and making presentations at meetings, workshops, seminars, etc.
13. Work in partnership with other governmental agencies, NGOs, and members of the private sector in promoting voluntary compliance with environment-related regulations.
14. Assist other units within the Department of the Environment in the implementation of their roles and responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Head of the Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit – Aldo Cansino

1. Maintain a supervisory oversight for the management of all the activities related to the Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit.
2. Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual work programmes and reports for the unit.
3. Prepare annual budget of the unit based on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year.
4. Ensure that the Environmental Protection Act and subsequent legislation related to the unit is implemented. These include:
   • Environmental Protection Act, 1992
   • Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) Regulations, 1995
   • Pollution Regulations, 1996
   • Littering Offences (Violation Tickets) (Amendment) Regulations, 1996
   • The Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 1998
5. Make recommendations for the amendment and formulation of the aforementioned and new legislation.
6. Prepare and implement an in – house training programme for new Environmental Technicians entering the unit.
7. Represent the DOE at national and international conferences and workshops.
8. Ensure that registry for granted environmental clearance and development concession projects are updated.
9. Coordinate activities of the unit on a short – term (weekly) and long – term (programmes) of the unit and ensure that these programmes are implemented.
10. Plan and participate in the implementation of public awareness programmes.
11. Coordinate activities with regard to the implementation plan of the DOE.
12. Coordinate activities with other units within the DOE and other governmental agencies, NGOs, and members of the private sector in promoting compliance with environmental regulations.
13. Reply to memoranda, faxes, and other correspondences directed to the DOE and which relate to the roles and responsibilities of the unit.

Roles and Responsibilities of Environmental Technicians within the Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit – Oscar Alonzo, Henry Sanchez and Kenrick Gordon

1. Assist Environmental Officers in preparing weekly schedule;
2. Conduct Investigative or compliance monitoring site visits;
3. Review and Screen Project Proposals;
4. Respond to complaints and concerns of the public;
5. Type reports about field trips;
6. Disseminate reports to respective agencies;
7. Represent the Department at National Meetings;
8. Represent the Department at International Meetings;
9. Make Environmental Presentations at Schools, Fairs.;
10. Assist in updating & maintaining the registry in order;
11. Assist in disseminating letters/packages from the DOE;
12. Answer memorandums and other letters & Send faxes;
13. Maintain Vehicle Log Books in order;
14. Assist in the general maintenance of the vehicles;
15. Prepare and maintain/update DOE's Inventory List;
16. Other Duties Assigned from time to time;

Functions of The Project Evaluation/EIA Unit:

The main functions of the Project Evaluation/EIA Unit are:
1. Functions as the Secretariat of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), which is responsible for the Evaluation of Projects that may have significant negative impact on the environment;
2. To develop Terms of Reference (TOR) during the Scoping phase for projects required to develop an EIA;
3. To develop Environmental Compliance Plans (ECPs) for projects granted environmental clearance by the NEAC;
4. To develop and continuously evaluate and revise Criteria for categorizing projects in accordance with the EIA Regulations aimed at enhancing the EIA procedures;
5. To assess developmental, industrial, and all other activities that may have significant impact on the environment;
6. To Work in close partnership, through the implementation of Government’s Environmental Impact Assessment requirements, with project proponents in ensuring that their projects are both environmentally and technically sound, and implemented in a balanced and sustainable manner, thereby ensuring their long-term economic benefits;
7. To develop and implement a public awareness and environmental education programme aimed at informing and sensitizing the public on the importance and benefits of the Environmental Impact Assessment requirements as a planning tool;
8. To facilitate public participation in environmental issues through public hearings and consultations, in accordance with the EIA Regulations, aimed at making technical/scientific information available to the general public and providing them with an opportunity to participate in the decision making process;
9. To continue the development of a functional process for strong intra and inter-ministerial cooperation which is essential in addressing environmental issues;
10. To facilitate and provide training on EIAs and on Belize’s EIA procedures, aimed at strengthening in-country capacity to carry out and evaluate EIAs;
11. To promote environmental planning for key areas of development, such as the Coastal Zone, islands, and proposed tourism, residential and industrial sites;
12. To develop and maintain a catalogue and database for tracking project granted environmental clearance, and a register of companies/individuals involved in the preparation of EIAs in Belize;
13. To conduct and coordinate investigations, studies, surveys and research on issues related to the state of the environment and issues impacting ecosystems in Belize;
14. To assist in compliance monitoring of projects granted environmental clearance;
15. To assist in the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act, 1992/1998 and subsequent regulations; and
16. To assist other units within the Department of the Environment in the implementation of their roles and responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Head of the Project Evaluation/EIA Unit - Maxine Monsanto

1. Maintain a supervisory oversight for the management of all the activities related to the Project Evaluation/EIA Unit;
2. Prepare weekly, month and annual work programmes and reports for the unit;
3. Prepare annual budget of the unit based on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year;
4. Ensure that the Environmental Protection Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations are implemented;
5. Make recommendations for the amendment and formulation of the aforementioned and new legislation;
6. Prepare and implement an in – house training programme for new Environmental Technicians entering the unit and identify training needs for the staff within the Unit;
7. Represent the DOE at national and international conferences and workshops;
8. Ensure that the registry for projects granted environmental clearance is updated regularly;
9. Plan and participate in the implementation of public awareness programmes;
10. Coordinate activities with regard to the implementation plan of the DOE;
11. Coordinate activities with other units within the DOE and other governmental agencies, NGOs, and members of the private sector in promoting compliance with environmental regulations;
12. Reply to memoranda, faxes, and other correspondences directed to the DOE and which relate to the roles and responsibilities of the unit;
13. Coordinate meetings of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), which is responsible for the Evaluation of Projects that may have significant negative impact on the environment;
14. Act as Chairman of the NEAC in the absence of the Chief Environmental Officer;
15. Review and make recommendations on technical aspects of project proposals and EIAs (residential, industrial, commercial) submitted to the DOE;
16. Coordinate and conduct site assessments for projects undergoing the environmental screening;
17. Prepare draft and final versions of Terms of Reference (TOR) required for projects determined to undergo an EIA preparation;
18. Moderate all Public Hearings of projects undergoing the Environmental Clearance Process;
19. Represent the DOE at local committees requiring input on the EIA procedures (eg. Coastal Zone Advisory Council);
20. Review and comment in writing upon the environmental impact of any matter relating to the environmental responsibilities of the DOE;
21. To continuously review the adequacy of the existing EIA procedures;
22. Prepared Environmental Compliance Plans for projects recommended for Environmental Clearance;

Roles and Responsibilities of Environmental Technicians within the Project Evaluation/EIA Unit – Jorge Franco and anthony Mai;

1. Assist the Head of the Unit in preparing weekly, monthly and annual work programmes and reports for the unit;
2. Assist with the coordination of meetings of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC):- preparation of minutes of the meetings, responses to project proponents based on decisions and recommendations of the committee;
3. Assist with the revision and evaluation of project proposals and environmental impact assessments submitted to the Department;
4. Assist with the preparation of Terms of Reference and Environmental Compliance Plans;
5. Conduct site visits in regards to projects undergoing environmental screening;
6. Write and distribute reports based on site visits and recommend follow-up actions;
7. Collect base line data in environmental conditions of specific areas;
8. Assist in the development and implementation of the public awareness and environmental education efforts of the Unit and the Department;
9. Assist in conducting site inspections and environmental monitoring of industries in Belize;
10. Assist in conducting basic laboratory tests on water samples collected by DOE personnel from specific industries;
11. Assist with the maintenance of vehicles assigned to the DOE;
12. Basic maintenance of computers and equipment at the DOE;
13. Download, distribute and reply to e-mails sent to the Department; and
14. Any other duties assigned from time to time.

Functions of the Environmental Law, Policy and Planning Unit

1. Continuously review all existing legislation related to the environmental issues, with a view to improving their coordination and implementation;
2. Coordinate government agencies’ plans, programmes and activities that do affect, protect or improve the environment, and make the appropriate recommendations for their integrated implementation;
3. Analyze and recommend national policies and standards to promote improvement in environmental quality to meet the conservation, social, economic, health and other goals of Belize;
4. Recommend priorities among environmental programs, to ensure that these programmes are in line with National Objectives and Priorities;
5. Work closely with government agencies, especially with Ministries of Economic Development and Foreign Affairs, to strengthen the review process for environmental proposals submitted for GOB’s endorsement, which are aimed at tapping funds from International Funding Agencies in the name of Belize;
6. Assist in the coordination of implementation of the Department’s Policies of the other Units (Project Evaluation & EIA Unit, Public Awareness and Information, and the Enforcement and Monitoring Unit);
7. Manage the revision and implementation of all International Environmental Conventions and Protocols for which Belize is a Party or is contemplating becoming a Party. A thorough revision of the benefits and commitments necessary must be done. International Initiatives, Environmental Laws and Conventions;
   1. C.C.A.D.
   2. Montreal Protocol
   3. BASEL Convention
   4. S.P.A.W. Protocol
   5. Biodiversity
   6. Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Convention
   7. C.L.C. Convention
   8. Draft Legislation for the activation of the C.L.C. 1992 Convention and the Fund Convention.
   9. Cartagena Convention
   10. Land Base Source of Marine Pollution
   11. O.P.R.C. Convention
8. Assist the CEO in achieving international cooperation in dealing with national or regional environmental problems;

Roles and Responsibilities of the Head of the Environmental Law, Policy and Planning Unit - Jeavon Hulse

1. Prepare cases up for prosecution by the Department, and work with the Director of Public Prosecutions and other enforcement agencies in the prosecution of environmental offences;
2. Maintain a supervisory oversight for the management of all the activities related to the Environmental Law, Policy and Planning Unit (management and compilation of Environmental Legislation);
3. Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual work programmes and reports for the unit;
4. Prepare annual budget of the unit based on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year;
5. Assist the CEO in ensuring that all the legislation governing the Department are implemented. These include: EPA, 1992/1998, EIA, Effluent Limitations and Pollution Regulations;
6. Review and develop draft amendments of Environmental Legislation, where necessary. This could include among others: EIA Regulations, 1995; Effluent Limitation Regulations, 1995; Pollution Control Regulation, 1996; and the Solid Waste Management Authority Act, 1992;
7. Draft new legislation required for better management of Belize’s natural and environmental resources. Examples could include Hazardous Waste Regulations, Derelict Vehicle Regulations, and laws addressing Emergency Response to Oil Spills (NEPPOS) and development of a National Waste Oil Management Plan;
8. Prepare and implement an in – house training programme for new Environmental Technicians entering the unit;
9. Represent the DOE at national and international conferences and workshops related with environmental policy and law.

Roles and Responsibilities of Data Management Technician within the Environmental Law, Policy and Planning – Francis Martinez

1. Day to day data entry into the Library’s Electronic Cataloging System;
2. Distribution of urgent and important information;
3. Upkeep of the Department’s data bases and registries;
4. Securing of office building and equipment, including the burglar alarm system;
5. Management of the requests for the Department’s audio visual equipment lending;
6. Management and facilitation of the retrieval of information for use by students, consultants and the general public;
7. Ensure the timely opening of the Department’s Offices every working day;
8. Assist in the general maintenance of the vehicles;
9. Assist Head of Unit in preparing weekly schedule;
10. Register of complaints and concerns from the general public;
11. Disseminate reports to respective agencies;
12. Assist in disseminating letters/packages from the DOE;
13. Assist in all events organized by the Department;
14. Other Duties Assigned from time to time;

Functions of the Public Awareness and Information Management Unit

1. Carry Out A Coordination Function Of All Environmental Education Efforts In Belize With A Focus On Prioritizing Issues, Avoiding Duplication Of Efforts, Avoiding Wastage Of Resources (Human And Financial), And Incorporating Environmental Education Into The Formal Education System In Belize;
2. Develop And Implement On-Going Public Awareness Programmes Aimed At Increasing The Public’s Awareness On Issues Of Environmental Protection And Natural Resource Management, With Specific Emphasis On The Activities Being Conducted By The Department;
3. Organize And Implement The Biennial Symposia On The State Of Belize’s Environment;
4. Prepare All Press Releases And Public Awareness Information;
5. Work With Other Units Within The Department For The Preparation And Implementation Of An On-Going Public Awareness Programme;
6. Work With Other Units Within The Department For The Preparation And Implementation Of Presentations And Speeches;
7. Work With The Project Evaluation/EIA Unit In The Preparation And Implementation Of The Public Hearings/Consultations Required Under The EIA Regulations;
8. Establish Strong Liaison With Other Government Agencies, Organizations And The Public, And Request Such Reports And Other Information From Them As May Be Required To Carry Out The Department’s Responsibilities;
9. Gather Information On The Conditions And Trends In The Quality Of Belize’s Environment, Both Current And Prospective;
10. Document Changes In The Natural Environment, Including Flora And Fauna, Accumulating Necessary Data And Information For A Continuous Analysis Of These Changes Or Trends And The Interpretation Of Their Underlying Causes;
11. Maintain And Update The Various Data Bases Of The Other Units Of The Department (Eg. Registry Of Waste And Emissions, Registry Of Environmentally Screened Projects, And Registry Of Effluent Licenses);
12. Maintain The On-Line Electronic Cataloging Of DOE’s Library Information;
13. Continuously Review The Adequacy Of Existing Data Management Systems And Data Bases;
14. Upkeep And Maintain The Department’s Information System And Equipment;
15. Coordinate And Spearhead All National Activities With Respect To International Environmental Days Of Recognition (Eg. World Environment Day, Earth Day, Ozone Day, International Beach Clean-Up Day);
16. Prepare, Review And Update The Various Publications Developed By The Department;
17. Assist Local Authorities And Community Based Organizations (Cbos) To Facilitate Their Involvement In Environmental Issues And To Encourage Community Based Planning, Monitoring Enforcement And Assessment. When Local Communities Begin To Deal Effectively With Their Own Environmental Concerns, DOE’s Tasks Will Be Made Easier And Its Success More Likely;
18. Prepare An Annual Environmental Quality Report Which Shall Include The Status Of All Aspects Of The Environment In Belize, Trends In Environmental Quality, A Review Of The Programmes And Activities On GOB And Ngos For Their Effect On The Environmental Resources, Recommended Changes Should They Be Required.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Head of the Public Awareness and Information Management Unit - Celi Cho

1. Maintain a supervisory oversight for the management of all activities related to the Public Awareness and Information Management Unit;
2. Prepare weekly, monthly and annual work programmes and reports for the unit;
3. Prepare annual budget for the unit, based on the proposed work programme for the upcoming year;
4. Make recommendations resulting from the various information analyses;
5. Maintain a close relationship with the press, general public, NGOs, International Organizations, and other groups;
6. Collect, store and disseminate general information using the Department’s Library;
7. Manage and update the Department’s data bases and information systems;
8. Organize and spearhead the implementation of the biennial symposia on the State of Belize’s Environment;
9. Work with other units within the Department for the preparation and implementation of an on-going Public Awareness Programme, and the preparation and implementation of Presentations and Speeches;
10. Assist the EIA unit in the facilitation of the Public Hearing/Consultations required under the EIA Regulations;
11. Maintain and update the various data bases of the other units of the Department (eg. Registry of Waste and Emissions, Registry of Environmentally Screened Projects, and Registry of Effluent Licenses);
12. Maintain the on-line electronic cataloging of DOE’s library information;
13. Upkeep and maintain the Department’s information system and equipment;
14. Prepare, review and update the various publications developed by the Department;
15. Prepare an annual environmental quality report;

Roles and Responsibilities of the Environmental Technician of the Public Awareness and Information Management Unit

1. Maintain a supervisory oversight for the management of all activities related to the Public Awareness and Information Management Unit;
2. Perform the day-to-day entry of data into the various data bases in the Department;
3. Daily cataloging of new library information, and the other day-to-day operations required of the library;
4. Conduct the literature search of information requested by staff of the other units within the Department;
5. Assist the head of the unit in the logistics preparation with respect to the biennial symposia, public consultations workshops, public hearings, presentations and speeches;
6. Maintain the public awareness equipment and data processing equipment;
7. Prepare draft press releases, presentations and speeches
8. Maintain a close relationship with the press, general public, NGOs, International Organizations, and other groups;
9. Collect, store and disseminate general information using the Department’s Library;
10. Manage and update the Department’s data bases and information systems;
11. Organize and spearhead the implementation of the biennial symposia on the State of Belize’s Environment;
12. Work with other units within the Department for the preparation and implementation of an on-going Public Awareness Programme, and the preparation and implementation of Presentations and Speeches;
13. Assist the EIA unit in the facilitation of the Public Hearing/Consultations required under the EIA Regulations;
14. Maintain and update the various data bases of the other units of the Department (eg. Registry of Waste and Emissions, Registry of Environmentally Screened Projects, and Registry of Effluent Licenses);
15. Maintain the on-line electronic cataloging of DOE’s library information;
16. Upkeep and maintain the Department’s information system and equipment;
17. Prepare, review and update the various publications developed by the Department;
18. Prepare an annual environmental quality report;

Organogram

Staff

Aldo Cansino	Martin Alegria	Jeavon Hulse
Oscar Alonzo	Jorge Franco	Celi Cho
Maxine Monsanto	Henry Sanchez	Kenrick Gordon
Anthony Mai	Francis Martinez	Leonides Sosa