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Pacific EIAs Under Review

Friday: May 09, 2008

(SPREP)

Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environment assessments are words that may make the average reader cringe however they are vital to our well being in the Pacific.  These assessments serve to help curb unrestrained development and its resulting negative impacts upon our environment. In so doing, our Pacific way of life is maintained.

The role of environmental impact assessments is now under review in the Pacific.  The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is leading this review, and is looking at several countries to provide sample case studies.

Environmental impact assessments are carried out when a development project is proposed.  The EIA aims to outline the effects the proposed development will have upon the environment and surroundings and how to best remedy the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones.  Strategic environment assessments look at the bigger picture of long term development goals and plans and how our environment and our lifestyles might change under these scenarios.

Planting mangroves in Samoa. PHOTO: Courtesy SPREP

The review of environmental impact assessments and strategic environment assessments began at the end of March.  A review consultant has taken into account different country case studies as well as the results of visits to Samoa, Tuvalu, Palau and Fiji as part of the review.  Information on assessments in other countries has also been incorporated into the review.

“We have selected a few countries that we could visit and looked at the different case studies available.  We are taking into account the three main cultural groups in the Pacific as well as the different systems of governance,” said Tepa Suaesi, SPREP’s Environment Officer.  Suaesi hopes to have a final report completed by the end of May.

“We’re finding out where the countries are in terms of human resources and legislation, and what’s available in the Pacific in terms of expertise and commitment from the communities to use assessment tools when planning developments.”

A decade has passed since the last review was held.  It is hoped that the report will establish a clear starting point from where the Pacific island countries and territories can strengthen and improve their assessment capacities.

“I think it’s an exciting time for us to look at this because there is considerable interest in tourism development and further extraction of resources in many countries. The people of the Pacific are likely to feel growing pressures as a result. 

“As we approach those limits we must make good choices on the use of resources. The use of appropriate assessment tools will help us in this regard.”

The preliminary findings of the review will be presented at the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessments, held from 4 – 10 of May this year.