Nevertheless, a strong separate MoE is needed. Due to other priorities, incomplete legislation, inadequate institutional framework and lack of funding, it has not been possible to develop and implement a proper environmental strategy. Improvements are needed in institutional capacity to take advantage of existing expertise. Because of other concerns, the Parliament is not able to play a strong controlling role and the Parliamentary committee on environment is relatively weak. Response to existing negative trends has been insufficient.
Expertise is available on a relatively high level but it is missing in some specific fields.
Only a few experts and NGOs are involved in decision-making processes, but public awareness regarding environmental issues is increasing. The Federal Committee does not exist anymore due to the split of the Czech and Slovak Federation in 1993. From 1990-92 many influential positions in the administration and Parliament were held by environmentally aware people. The economic lobby has become strong now, as well. Since 1990 modern legislation, such as the General Environmental Protection Act, the Environmental Fund Act, the Air Protection Act, the Waste Management Act, the Nature Protection Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act have been passed.