UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 1

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 2 EIA is a process to: F gather information necessary for decision-making F inform approval and condition setting F help determine if a proposal is acceptable

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 3 Decision-making is a process of: F political choice between alternative directions F weighing the benefits and costs F negotiation, bargaining and trade- offs F balancing economic, social and environmental factors

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 4 Decision-makers need to understand: F EIA aims and concepts F EIA legislation, procedure and guidelines F the effectiveness of EIA practice F the limitations on EIA information F how EIA process and practice measure up internationally F issues of public consultation and third party challenges

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 5 Decision-makers should be encouraged to: F implement sustainability mandates and commitments F broaden their perspectives on the environment F critically review information and advice F better communicate information and decisions F apply the precautionary principle F improve the process of making trade-offs F adopt more open and participatory approaches F use strategic tools including SEA and environmental accounting

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 6 Decision-making is a continuing process, comprising: F interim decisions made at each stage of EIA F final approval of a proposal F enforcement of conditions attached to approvals

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 7

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 8 Information for decision-makers should include: F background of the proposal F policy context F alternatives considered F public inputs and balance of opinion F significant impacts F proposed mitigation and monitoring F extent that the proposal conforms to sustainability principles

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 9 EIA responsibilities imposed on decision makers F meet no further requirements F take account of information in the EIA report F provide reasons for the decision F act in accordance with recommendations of a review body

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 10 Outcomes from EIA decision- making F proposal approved F proposal approved with conditions F proposal on hold pending further study F proposal returned for revision and resubmission F proposal rejected

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 11 Checks and balances on decision-making  no decision taken until EIA report considered F findings help determine approval and condition setting F public comment taken into account F approvals can be refused or withheld F conditions can be imposed/ modifications demanded F written reasons for the decision F right of appeal against the decision

UNEP Training Resource Manual Topic 10 Slide 12 Means of implementing the decision include: F establishing performance conditions F incorporating them into legal contracts F requiring preparation of Environmental Management Plans F incorporating ISO standards F overseeing and monitoring compliance with conditions