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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Green Inclusive Growth Conference SEA25-26 March 2014

Development and Partnership in Action

Presented by: Mr. Mam Sambath, DPA-Executive DirectorEmail: mam.sambath@dpacam.org

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What is an Environmental impact assessment (EIA)?

EIA is the primary administrative tool to integrate environmental considerations into decision-making of all types of development initiatives such as formulating policies, programmes and development plans or projects to ensure that proposed development will have minimal environmental impacts and be environmentally sound. (ADB’s definition)

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What is an EIA?An EIA assess information such as :

– A detailed assessment of positive and negative impacts on environment and society; and

– Determination of appropriate measures to mitigate negative impacts on environment and society.

From this information, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is developed which can be monitored.

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EIA in relation to Green Inclusive Growth

EIA contributes to a win-win-win situation

for Green Inclusive Growth

Sustainable environment

Socially-inclusive development

Community benefit from economic growth in area

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At local level:- Empower community mining

focal points and indigenous people to participate in EIA process and monitor the implementation of EMP;

- Map community complaints and concerns for discussion with mining companies; and

- Regularly investigate and document information related to mining impact issues to create a full picture for advocacy.

DPA’s activities

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- Engage in consultation and development of draft EIA law and other relevant laws/policies;

- Engage as a member of technical team drafting EIA guidelines on mining, oil and gas with Ministry of Environment (MoE); and

- Attend EIA report review meetings and provide comments on the EIA report of mining, oil and gas companies and monitor implementation of EMP.

DPA’s activitiesAt national level:

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DPA’s activities

- Work with private sector, particularly the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to convey messages/concerns from the affected communities.

- Share community concerns and impacts of mining activities with mining companies during international and regional events.

At national level:

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i) Limited exercise of FPIC in the EIA process;ii) Limited number of affected people offered

participation in the EIA process;iii) Short notice given to CSOs for reviewing EIA

reports;iv) Limited capacity of CSOs and government

officials on EIA, particularly in the oil and gas sector; and

v) Limited government mechanisms to monitor the implementation of EMP of EIA.

Challenges and Gaps

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• Develop constructive and participatory EIA laws and guidelines• Exercise and integrate FPIC in EIA law and guidelines• Involve communities, including indigenous representation,

with CSOs in EIA report review meetings• Build capacity of CSOs, government & community members on

EIA, particularly at sub-national level• Disclosure of information from central government to sub-

national level, from provincial to commune level

Recommendations

Thanks You for Your Attention