MISSION & CHALLENGES

The aim of the Portuguese Environment Agency is to promote, develop and follow up the execution of environment policies, namely concerning the following fields:

APA as Waste National Managing Authority guarantees and follows up the implementation of national waste strategy through the practice of licensing schemes, publication of technical regulations related to waste management operations, providing support to waste management activities, laying down the criteria for licensing procedures and international and community proceedings, in waste domain.

APA obligations still include development and implementation of educational programs and citizens awareness policies focusing on environment and the promotion and implementation of supporting mechanisms for environmental non-governmental organisations as well as the promotion of public participation and information access to decision-making processes as far as environment is concerned.

APA must also guarantee Environment Reference Laboratory management and grant accreditation to other laboratories and new test methods.