Challenges in Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment Among Islamic Countries

Abstract

Environmental destruction caused by development activities has become a major concern among the global community. To overcome the problem, environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been introduced as a tool that can help manage the environment in the development activities. EIA has been implemented in more than 100 countries around the world including Islamic countries. However, the implementation of EIA among Islamic countries has not been comprehensively understood. The objective of this study is to identify the implementation of EIA among Islamic countries and identify the challenges faced in implementing EIA. This study looks at the implementation of EIA from the point of EIA policy and legislation. As well as challenges from an enforcement perspective, the quality of EIA reports, awareness related to EIA and the adequacy of experts in the field of EIA. This study uses scoping literature review approach to evaluate past and recent studies in the implementation of EIA. The results of the study found that Islamic countries, which are categorized as high and middle income, already have laws, policies and regulations related to EIA. The study found that there are four main challenges faced in the implementation of EIA among Islamic countries, there are weaknesses in terms of enforcement of EIA-related laws, low quality of EIA reports, low awareness of project proponents on EIA and lack of Islamic experts in perform EIA-related studies. This study has identified the gaps on the EIA implementation in Islamic countries. To overcome the challenges cooperation among Islamic countries to share experiences and enhance mutual capabilities is urgently needed.