The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Environmental Impact Assessments: A Study of Selected Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Law, Justice, & Development Series)

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), a procedure for evaluating the impact of proposed activities on the environment, is a growing reality in Africa and in 24 Sub-Saharan African countries, EIA is a matter of law. 'The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Environmental Impact Assessments', which is part of the Law, Justice, and Development series, examines the various aspects of EIA legislation in these countries. This book is based on extensive and in-depth analysis of the relevant EIA legislation. It focuses on and considers specific aspects of the EIA system, including: the definition of EIA in Sub-Saharan Africa laws; the prescribed activities, public participation, and consultation; the review process and the quality of EIA reports; monitoring and enforcement; compatibility with international norms; and transboundary issues. This book provides a special emphasis on the role and degree of public participation for the further development of law and policy in relation to environmental impact assessments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), a procedure for evaluating the impact of proposed activities on the environment, is a growing reality in Africa and in 24 Sub-Saharan African countries, EIA is a matter of law.

'The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Environmental Impact Assessments', which is part of the Law, Justice, and Development series, examines the various aspects of EIA legislation in these countries. This book is based on extensive and in-depth analysis of the relevant EIA legislation. It focuses on and considers specific aspects of the EIA system, including: the definition of EIA in Sub-Saharan Africa laws; the prescribed activities, public participation, and consultation; the review process and the quality of EIA reports; monitoring and enforcement; compatibility with international norms; and transboundary issues. This book provides a special emphasis on the role and degree of public participation for the further development of law and policy in relation to environmental impact assessments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Environmental impact assessment, or EIA as it is known, is a procedures for evaluating the impact, proposed activities may have on the environment. In recent years, significant strides have been made to build a legal foundation for EIAs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas EIAs typically used to be carried out only to meet requirements of foreign donors, they are now mandated in twenty two Sub-Saharan countries, as an important element of domestic environmental law, and policy. This publication traces the development of EIA, both in terms of national policies, and international law, and, analyzes EIA-related laws and regulations in those countries. The substantive components of EIA requirements, as well as the similarities, and differences of the various national statutes, are noted and commented upon. Special attention is paid to the role, and degree of public participation, for the further development of law, and policy with respect to environmental impact assessments in Sub-Saharan Africa