Environmental (and Social) Impact Assessment (EIA) Process in Myanmar
On 24 October, Vicky Bowman made a presentation on the emerging environmental (and social) impact assessment (EIA) process in Myanmar to the working group focussed on "Investing in resource efficiency and sustainable cities" which forms part of the Myanmar Platform for Dialogue on Green Growth, organised by Green Lotus.
She spoke about current requirements for disclosure and consultation in the draft procedures and guidelines, and the potential opportunity for stakeholders to make an input into business projects which are to be required to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments or Initial Environmental Examinations.
The Oil and Gas SWIA identified significant knowledge and capacity challenges, both in government and amongst civil society, which need to be addressed if EIAs and the accompanying environmental management plans are to become a useful tool for preventing, reducing, mitigating and compensating for negative impacts.