Evolution of EIA and History

1. EVOLUTION OF EIA

2. EVOLUTION
Pre – 1970
 Projects review based on technical/engineering
and economic analysis
 Limited consideration given to environmental
consequences

3. Early/Mid1970's
 EIA introduced by NEPA in 1970 in US
 Basic principle: Guidelines, procedures including
public participation requirement institutes
 Standard methodologies for impact analysis
developed (e.g. matrix, checklist and network)

4. Late 1970's to early 1980's
• More formalized guidance (e.g., CEQ guidelines)
• Use of EIA by developing countries (Brazil,
Philippines, China, Indonesia)
• Social Impact Assessment (SIA), risk analysis
included in EIA processes

5. Mid 1980's to end of decade
• EC Directive on EIA establishes basic principles and
procedural requirements for all member states
• Increasing efforts to address cumulative effects

6. 1990s:
• Requirement to consider trans-boundary effects under
Espoo Convention
• EIA identified as implementing mechanism for UN
conventions on climate change and biological
diversity.
• Sustainability principles and global issues receive
increased attention (some EIA guidance but still
limited)

7.  Pre1960
 No environmental
awareness
 Abundance paradigm
 Nature is free and endless
commodity
 Economic growth was more
important than environment
 Little or no regulatory
control
 Post 1960
 People started to think
about environment
 Environment protection
paradigm
 Focus was on environment
 Approval of environmental
regulation