The risk assessment practitioner must-
- be independent;
- have adequate knowledge of-
(i) the Biodiversity Act;
(ii) these Regulations;
(iii) any norms and standards and guidelines that have relevance to the application; and
(iv) the species concerned, or alternatively must consult with an expert on the species concerned when conducting the risk assessment;
- be a scientist with expertise in-
(i) biodiversity matters; and
(ii) conducting risk assessments;
- conduct the risk assessment to which the application relates in an objective manner, even if such risk assessment result in views and findings not favorable to the applicant;
- comply with any applicable legal requirements;
- take into account, to the extent applicable, the matters contemplated in regulation 8 of these Regulations when carrying out the risk assessment and preparing any report relating to the application; and
- disclose to the applicant and the Department responsible for environment all material information in his or her possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing-
(i) any decision to be taken by the Department with respect to the permit application; or
(ii) the objectivity of the risk assessment.