What are the best practices for conducting environmental impact assessments?

1 Define the scope and objectives

The first step in conducting an EIA is to define the scope and objectives of the assessment, which should be aligned with the purpose and goals of the project or activity. The scope and objectives should specify the spatial and temporal boundaries, the environmental and social aspects, the level of detail, and the methods and criteria for the analysis. The scope and objectives should also be informed by the legal and policy frameworks, the stakeholder expectations, and the available data and resources.

2 Conduct a baseline study

The second step in conducting an EIA is to conduct a baseline study, which involves collecting and analyzing relevant information on the existing environmental and social conditions of the affected area. The baseline study should provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of the current situation, including the natural resources, the ecosystem services, the human activities, the cultural values, and the potential impacts of climate change. The baseline study should also identify the key environmental and social issues, the sensitive receptors, and the indicators for monitoring and evaluation.

3 Assess the alternatives and impacts

The third step in conducting an EIA is to assess the alternatives and impacts of the project or activity, which involves comparing different options and scenarios for achieving the desired outcomes. The alternatives and impacts assessment should consider the direct, indirect, cumulative, and synergistic effects of each option on the environment and society, as well as the opportunities and trade-offs for enhancing or reducing the impacts. The alternatives and impacts assessment should also apply the precautionary principle, the mitigation hierarchy, and the best available techniques to avoid, minimize, or compensate for any adverse effects.

4 Involve the stakeholders

The fourth step in conducting an EIA is to involve the stakeholders, which includes the public, the authorities, the proponents, the experts, and the affected parties. The stakeholder involvement should be meaningful, inclusive, transparent, and participatory, and should take place throughout the assessment process. The stakeholder involvement should aim to inform, consult, collaborate, and empower the stakeholders, as well as to address their concerns, expectations, and feedback. The stakeholder involvement should also follow the principles of good governance, ethics, and accountability.

5 Prepare the EIA report

The fifth step in conducting an EIA is to prepare the EIA report, which is the main document that summarizes and communicates the findings and recommendations of the assessment. The EIA report should be clear, concise, consistent, and comprehensive, and should cover all the relevant aspects of the assessment, such as the scope and objectives, the baseline study, the alternatives and impacts, the stakeholder involvement, the mitigation measures, the monitoring plan, and the conclusions. The EIA report should also be supported by adequate evidence, references, and appendices.

6 Review and follow up

The final step in conducting an EIA is to review and follow up on the assessment, which involves verifying, validating, and improving the quality and reliability of the assessment. The review and follow up should include an independent and external evaluation of the EIA report, as well as a public disclosure and consultation of the report. The review and follow up should also include an implementation and supervision of the mitigation measures, a monitoring and reporting of the environmental and social performance, and an adaptive management and learning of the project or activity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?