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SECTION 1:
AN INTRODUCTION TO
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
057
International Environment Law
International environment law is developed in the form of international conventions,
agreements and protocols. Those that directly concern tourism and hospitality are
introduced in Unit 1.
The drawback with international law is that is difficult to enforce. Countries are
required by honour to implement and meet the objectives and targets of the
protocols they have ratified and it is difficult if not impossible to enforce penalties
for non-compliance.
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National Environment Law
Since the mid 1970s, national environment law has been continuously evolving to
cover ever-wider areas of activity.
National environment law is generally developed in the form of codes, acts and
quality standards.
Examples of environment law that concern tourism and hospitality include:
• Drinking water quality standards;
• Legislation on the treatment and discharge of sewage;
• Indoor air quality standards;
• Emissions standards;
• Legislation on the separation and disposal of recyclable waste;
• Disposal of food waste and other organic waste;
• Vehicle emission standards;
• Occupational health and safety legislation;
• Bathing water quality standards;
• Legislation on environment impact assessment;
• Legislation on air-borne asbestos;
• Standards on sulphur content in coal, fuel oil and diesel;
• Legislation on noise;
• Building, construction and plumbing codes;
• Legislation on the use of ozone-depleting substances;
• End-of-life disposal of electronic appliances and vehicles;
• Legislation on the protection and conservation of habitats and species;
• Environment impact assessment.
As the scope of environment law is particular to each country, readers are advised
to consult their national environment legislation for additional information.
National hygiene, sanitation and food safety legislation is also important, since it
complements environment legislation.
Enforcement and Compliance
If not enforced, environment law remains merely words on paper. Compliance
can be ensured through several mechanisms – the most important (especially for
tourism and hospitality) being the permit system. Permit systems are generally
developed in consultation with industry and should promote economically and