An evaluation framework for effective public participation in EIA in Pakistan

Journal Article · Sat Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2010.01.003· OSTI ID:21499142

Nadeem, Obaidullah ^[1]

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1. Department of City and Regional Planning, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Pakistan)

Evaluating the effectiveness of public participation in EIA related decisions is of crucial importance for developing a better understanding of overall EIA effectiveness. This paper aims to contribute to the professional debate by establishing a country specific evaluation framework for Pakistan, which, it is suggested, could also potentially be used in other developing countries. The framework is used to evaluate performance of public participation in EIA in terms of 40 attributes for four selected projects from the province of Punjab. The evaluation is based on interviews with stakeholders, review of EIA reports as well as public hearing proceedings and environmental approval conditions. The evaluation of the selected projects revealed an overall weak influence of public participation on substantive quality of EIA and on the final decision. Overall, EIA public participation has succeeded in providing a more egalitarian environment. Furthermore, it appears fair to say that sufficient time for submitting written comments on EIA reports as well as for raising concerns during public hearings had been given. Also, public consultation was significantly contributing to educating participants. Despite some impediments, it is argued that public participation in EIA is gradually gaining ground in Pakistan. Recommendations to enhance EIA public participation effectiveness in Pakistan include applying a more proactive approach which should take place before EIA is conducted and before site selection for development projects is happening.

• OSTI ID: 21499142
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 31; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ASIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENT
EVALUATION
HEARINGS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
PAKISTAN
PERFORMANCE
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SITE SELECTION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS