Protection of environmentally significant areas. 8. This Part shall apply to any area of land, sea, lake or river which the Minister has, by notice in the Gazette, declared to be a protected natural environment system for purposes of promoting and preserving biological diversity in accordance with section 54 of the Act. PART III – ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES Access permit. 9. (1) Any person who intends to access genetic resources in Kenya shall apply to the Authority for an access permit in the form set out in the First Schedule, and such application shall be accompanied by the fees prescribed in the Second Schedule to these Regulations. (2) The application shall be accompanied by evidence of Prior Informed Consent from interested persons and relevant lead agencies, and a research clearance certificate from the National Council for Science and Technology. Notification of application. 10. The Authority shall, upon receipt of the application, give notice thereof by publication in the Gazette and at least one newspaper with nationwide circulation, or in such other manner as the Authority may consider appropriate, specifying ­ (a) the name and other particulars of the applicant; (b) the activity to be undertaken for which the access permit is required; and (c) the time within which representations or objections in respect of the proposed access permit may be made to the Authority. Determination of application. 11. (1) The Authority shall, on receipt of representations or objections to the proposed access permit from the public, review the application and if satisfied that the activity to be carried out shall facilitate the sustainable management and utilization of genetic resources for the benefit of the people of Kenya, issue an 7