The Department of Environment and Conservation has a new Director, Osborne Melenamu, appointed this week by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

At the official appointment ceremony on Wednesday, Secretary General of the PSC, James Melteres, raised several critical challenges currently facing the department. These included financial regulations around permit issuance.

“We need a regulation that outlines step-by-step processes when issuing permits,” said SG Melteres. “This will help avoid situations where one permit is approved, and later someone else comes in to complain,” he said.

Melteres also stressed the need for restructuring within the department.

“In past years, officers tend to leave the department. Maybe it’s to do with leadership, maybe it’s to do with their renumeration. But I believe you consider this and have the Public Service Commission to help address this,” said Melteres.

He also pointed to other key areas needing attention, including the department’s responsibility under international biodiversity conventions, the decentralization of it’s services, and capacity building for staff.

“Past directors travelled frequently—even for technical trainings—but we need to focus more on sending the right technical officers to gain that experience,” he added. “Support units must strengthen the frontline workforce.”

New Director Osborne Melenamu agreed with the concerns raised.

“There is a clear gap when it comes to permit processes. Different sectors like forestry operate under different acts and policies, and this needs proper alignment,” he said. “We also still lack officers in some provinces. Environment is a large department with many laws to implement—and we must invest in the right people.”

Melenamu is set to formally take up his position next Monday, beginning with a three-month probation period.

He holds a bachelor of Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography and Geology and minor in water resource management with five years of experience within the department he now leads.

With statement from PSC, Melenamu has over seven years of experience in environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable development with recent role as Project Associate under the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) supporting the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Secretariate, and leading the Pacific region’s effort to protect biodiversity, improve climate resilience and encourage community-based environmental activities.