Environmental Impact Assessments PDF

The Objectives of Environmental impact assessments To help decision-makers make well-informed decisions related to proposed projects/activities. Predict environmental impact of actions; Find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts; Shape the actions to suit local environment; Present the predic...

The Objectives of Environmental impact assessments To help decision-makers make well-informed decisions related to proposed projects/activities. Predict environmental impact of actions; Find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts; Shape the actions to suit local environment; Present the predictions and options to the decision-makers; Why do Environmental impact assessments? Promotes better planning and leads to more responsible decision making; ensures that renewable and non-renewable resources are used wisely Evaluates the rationale behind proposed projects and activities; are there alternatives to a proposed project or activity? Assists in pursuing sustainable development by evaluating alternatives means of undertaking proposed projects and activities Why Environmental impact assessments is Needed? The natural environment is the foundation of the world economy and our social well-being Past development practices have severely degraded the natural environment and wasted scarce resources Increasing development pressures (e.g., industrialization, urbanization, and resource use) will inevitably accelerate environmental degradation unless sustainable environmental management practices are adopted The Benefits of Environmental impact assessments: The benefits to local communities from taking part in environmental impact assessments include: A healthier local environment (forests, water sources, agricultural potential, recreational potential, aesthetic values, and clean living in urban areas) Improved human health Maintenance of biodiversity Decreased resource use Fewer conflicts over natural resource use Increased community skills, knowledge and pride Environmental impact assessments Core Values Sustainability: The EIA process will provide necessary environmental safeguards Integrity: The EIA process will conform with established standards; underlying science is credible and decisions are justified Utility: The EIA process will provide balanced, accurate information for decision making Environmental impact assessments Guiding Principles Participation: Appropriate and timely access by all interested parties Transparency: All decisions should be open and accessible Certainty: Process and timing agreed in advance and followed by all Accountability: Decision makers and project proponents are responsible for their actions Environmental impact assessments Guiding Principles Credibility: Assessments are professional and objective Cost-effectiveness: Environmental protection is achieved at the least cost Flexibility: Process is adaptive and responsive Practicality: Information and outputs are usable in decision making and planning Integration of Environmental impact assessments into the Decision-Making Process Timing: EIA conducted early in the project cycle Disclosure: EIA results disclosed to all interested parties Weight: EIA results are considered by decision makers  Revisions: Plans revised to include feasible mitigation measures or a less damaging alternative Integration of Environmental impact assessments into the Decision-Making Process Mitigation: Agreed-upon mitigation measures are implemented and monitored for effectiveness Monitoring: Post-project, follow-up monitoring of impacts conducted and results acted upon Sustainable Development “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainability Criteria Application of clean technology Waste recycling or use Material utilization allowing recycling or re-use Energy efficiency/Use of renewable energy sources Public acceptability/Involvement of the community Full cost recovery for goods or services Equitable cost-benefit distribution