Part 1: Environmental Governance Chapter 2: The Office for Environmental Protection Chapter 3: Interpretation of Part 1
There is no universal definition of "the environment". Although a diverse array of definitions exists, each has been designed to describe the environment in a particular context, or from a specific perspective. A clear definition, therefore, is needed to determine the scope of the OEP. Sections 44 to 46 define the "natural environment", "environmental protection" and "environmental law" for the primary purpose of determining the range of legislation that falls within the remit of the OEP, and with respect to which the OEP can exercise its scrutiny, advice, complaints and enforcement functions, and for the purposes of other provisions in Part 1 of the Act. The definitions in sections 44 to 46 are not intended to have any application beyond the interpretation of this Act.
	These definition are also relevant to several other sections in Part 1 of the Act, for example the provisions concerning environmental improvement plans and targets.