La Prensa Important Interview ANAM, Chandeck answers questions, note Petaquilla answers and allusions:
Panorama
INTERVIEW
The crossroads of Anam
Chandeck Lucia has the responsibility to strengthen environmental management in the country and the image of the Anam.
MANAGEMENT. Chandeck Lucia served as deputy administrator in charge of Anam. PRESS / Eduardo Grimaldo1497482
JOSEPH ARCI
jarcia@prensa.com
Until last Wednesday, the new administrator of the National Environmental Authority (ANAM), Lucia Chandeck, had not finished forming its team.
Chandeck took the reins of the Anam-a non Deputy Administrator since the departure of Melanie Castillo, in July last year, on Friday, January 7, following the resignation of Javier Arias in late December.
The designation of Chandeck was questioned by the Environmental Law Association, the view that it met the requirements of the General Environmental Law, which requires a professional degree in environmental or natural resources. Chandeck is a lawyer.
The new director defends himself by pointing out that governance is based on rules of law. Also, make your assessment of Anam and some social issues and controversial projects, such as the Petaquilla Gold.
Will there be staff changes? Who will be his deputy administrator?
We must assess the staff and check the work has been done to date. Is necessary to change some appointments, but not necessarily make significant changes. As the Deputy Administrator is the decision of the Executive.
The country passed through a water crisis. What is your opinion of this item?
We must remember that the amount of rain that has fallen has not been seen before and that is the focal point of this crisis, because it has caused increased sedimentation in Lake Alajuela. We have conducted inspections and overflights and we have not detected clearing of forested areas or human activities that affect the sedimentation. This crisis is an opportunity to begin to see the importance of environmental protection, not to throw waste into rivers and to make good use of the resource.
Hydropower projects have been strongly questioned, precisely because the effects on water resources.
From the perspective of Anam is very important to emphasize the management of water resources and promote sustainable development of natural resources, but with responsibility and based on scientific studies.
Reforms are the Mining Code, while Anam suffers from institutional weaknesses that affect its ability to monitor mining projects. How will address this issue?
The mining activity is not the most powerful in the country. As a result, state institutions are not prepared for projects of such magnitude and require expert help from other countries. It does not mean we do not have technicians who know the subject, but it is an activity that has been thriving in the country. These are major projects, whose environmental impact study must be evaluated with precision and care.
How will you cope draft Petaquilla Gold, which has been controversial precisely because of environmental violations?
(Personal comment: Loaded question reaching back to 2006 argument that is still under appeal about the $1,000,000.00 unauthorized fine.)
The Anam will continue its commitment to undertake periodic inspections. If you determine that you must take action will be taken, forcing the company to meet the environmental commitments acquired.
What is your plan to strengthen the institution?
Anam has good technicians with many years of experience. We need to strengthen the institution in monitoring and control. We need to strengthen the environmental culture, the behavior of citizens is friendly to the environment. It should be emphasized in environmental education at school level and adults.
How is that the Panamanian understand the environmental culture?
Have to work hard, be consistent and persistent. We must find mechanisms, such as awareness campaigns and shares of Anam in massive event. It is important that the institution has a presence in society.
There is a perception that Anam is subservient to the Executive. What will you do to change that image?
Anam is a technical entity that has rules. To the extent that they apply, people will come to understand that we care about environmental concerns. Obviously there must be coordination with the Executive. You have to work because the environmental issue is cross: it is about even with the land, which is the subject of the Ministry of Housing.
How about replacing the environmental impact studies of good practice guidelines for certain projects?
Environmental management tools are so individual. The good practice guidelines do not conflict with environmental impact studies. Are complementary and aim to achieve better environmental management of the state. I will check how she was carrying the country's environmental management.
PROFILE
BACKGROUND. Degree in Law from the University of Panama with expertise in ULACIT Administrative Law and an MA in Law, Policy and Environmental Management of the Universidad Popular de Nicaragua.
She was director of Legal Counsel from 1999 to 2004 Anam, also occupying the post of Deputy Administrator in charge. Prior to his new position was Secretary of Legal Affairs of the Presidency.
