(Ecofin Agency) - Through a parliamentary vote held June 18, Benin adopted Act No. 2018-18 regulating climate change. A notable step forward in a context of strong progress in desertification and land degradation.

“This law aims to prevent, protect and manage the consequences of climate change that could affect the Beninese people in the short, medium and long terms. It also aims at combating air, soil, marine and inland surface and groundwater pollution; promoting environment-friendly management of non-renewable resources and all types of waste as well as the reduction of disaster risk,” 24 heures au Bénin reports.  

“Thanks to this law, Benin will be able to take effective response, adaptation and mitigation measures by setting specific goals for sustainable economic and social development, security and energy efficiency, in accordance with the specific provisions of climate-change-related national and international legal instruments,” the media added.

Let’s note that this new law forces the State to subject any environment-risky policy, strategy, plan, agenda or development project to an environmental and social impact assessment.