Environmental Impact Assessment - Introduction

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) is one of the most widely used tools for identifying and mitigating adverse ecological effects of development proposals. In 1987, UNEP adopted a set of goals and principles on EIAs.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) compares alternative which could be used to realise a project and identifies the one with the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits. The process covers in a systematic way:

• Collection of information about an area and its characteristics
• Predication of the effects of a development on the area including effects on people living in or using the area
• Vital information that can be used to make an informed decision regarding whether the development should be permitted
• Introduction of changes into the design process to ameliorate any adverse effects of the project where necessary
• Consultation between the developer, stakeholders and decision-makers - assisting in resolving any conflicts between the project proponent and the public
  

Benefits Of Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments

• Facilitates informed decision making by providing clear, well structured dispassionate analysis of the effect and consequences of proposed projects
• Pre-emption or early withdrawal of unsound proposals
• Assists in the selection of alternatives, including the selection of the best practicable and most environmentally friendly option
• Influences both project selection and design by screening out environmentally unsound projects, as well as modifying feasible projects - Mitigation of negative environmental and social impacts
• Guides formal approval, including the establishment of terms and conditions of project implementation and follow-up
• Results in best practice prediction and mitigation of adverse effects of projects
• Serves as an adaptive, organizational learning process, in which the lessons of experience are feedback into policy, institutional and project design - Enhancement of positive aspects
• Incorporates stakeholder analysis
• Mitigation of negative environmental and social impacts