The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising that developments which will necessitate the replanting or relocation of seagrasses, corals and mangroves must now be accompanied by a plan to mitigate the impact of the development on these sensitive coastal and marine resources at the time of submission of the application.

This new guideline is part of the Agency’s ongoing bid to increase the efficiency of its applications review process. Further, the new requirement will facilitate a more comprehensive review of applications for developments which will impact coastal vegetation and marine life. In the past, proposals were not requested until after the initial application was submitted. 

The Agency is asking all affected applicants to take note of this new requirement and apply it accordingly. Applicants may also contact the Applications Secretariat Branch for additional information.