520 | | | $aThis new global awareness of the environmental implications of human-related destruction motivated governments to develop better stewardship of the environment. Angolan environmental legislators, through Presidential Decree nº 194/11 of 7 July, announced, among other laws, that liability guidelines for environmental damage (RRDA Regime de Responsabilidade por Danos Ambientais) would be based upon the polluter-pays principle. According to polluter-pays rules, polluters must bear the costs to repair environmental damage. This means that any and all agents who, as a result of their actions, cause damage to, or degradation, destruction or dilapidation of the environment, must provide reparation and/or indemnification for the damages caused. If there's no damage, the agent is not held accountable. However, where the environment is concerned, even non-compliance with a protection rule leading to possible environmental damage, could render the agent accountable. |