Definitions

System and Process

“a process by which information about the environmental effects of a project is collected and taken into account by the relevant decision-making body before a decision is given on whether the development should go ahead or not” [22] .

Feasibility study and Screening [23] , Scoping and baseline studies, impact prediction, mitigation, findings, monitoring

“a science and an art, as it uses a combination of scientific approaches to investigate, evaluate, and predict the environmental impacts while accepting the social-political nature of decision-making and the public participation of stakeholders during the planning and implementation of developmental projects [24] .”

The evolution of impact assessment theory has included looking for insights in other related and better-theorized fields, such as political science.

‘the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to making major decisions and commitments’ [25] .

Principles and best practices of IA, EA, EA, SIA, HIA, SEA, Performance Criteria, follow-up, public participation

“An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an analytical process that systematically examines the possible environmental consequences of the implementation of projects, programs, and policies” [26]

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is an extension of project-level EIA) to plan, program, and policy levels.

“Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are interdisciplinary analyses of the natural, human health, and socio-cultural effects that are expected to result from public and private sector actions such as development projects” [27] .

EIA is currently established in more than 100 countries and is required by many funding agencies.

“An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible positive or negative impact that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the environmental, social, and economic aspects” [28]

SEA has been identified as a critical tool for moving environmental and social safeguard policies “upstream” in order to ensure compliance with national, regional, and sectoral programs.

Kjørven, O., and Lindhjem, H. (2002) defined EA as a procedure that ensures that the environmental consequences of decisions are considered before they are made.” Individual projects, such as a dam, highway, airport, or factory, can undergo environmental assessment under the “Environmental Impact Assessment’ (EIA) Directive”.

SEA, in conjunction with Project EIA, provides a comprehensive view of environmental issues, early alternative elimination, and improved planning and management.

“Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a system for identifying and implementing measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of development projects.” EIA could be a useful tool in achieving sustainable development” [29]

In developing countries, the SEA good practice guidance can be implemented using a set of case-based “rules of thumb.”

EIAs are distinct in that they do not require decision-makers to adhere to a predetermined environmental outcome but rather to account for environmental values in their decisions and to justify those decisions in light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts of the proposal. The goal of these studies is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any significant negative impact on the public by regularly updating decision-makers and informing the affected public through proposed actions and suggested alternatives [30] .

An EO, like a traditional EIA, focuses on baseline conditions, impacts, opportunities, and program modifications. It produces a brief document that is especially useful for developing countries that want to finish quickly while adhering to SEA principles.

The field of ex-post evaluation analyzes EIA and SEA effectiveness, performance, benefits, and factors contributing to their success or failure [31] .

EIA follow-up covers a family of components and tools as defined in relation to individual proposals.