Comparative evaluation of EIA systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council States

Abstract

This review paper details the current status of environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation framework and procedures of implementation of EIA systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council States. The paper discusses the similarities and the different practice approaches of EIA studies between the States through assessment criteria of EIA systems. Performance evaluation criteria consisting of systematic and foundation measures are used for comparative assessment. This paper hence, seeks to develop a compilation on these EIA systems with regard to its legislation, practices and performance in the respective countries. A set of recommendations on how such practices can be enhanced and improved is presented.

‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in Drylands: Late Knowledge Penetration or a Deliberate Ignorance for Megaprojects?

“…In oilrich Middle Eastern countries, EIA was introduced in their national environmental plans several decades after the initiation of megaprojects. While many of these countries have started their megaprojects since the 1970s, most of them have developed and imposed the relevant EIA laws and regulations later; e.g., UAE in 1999 [5]. Current EIAs of these countries suffer from weaknesses, including lack of specific guidelines for sectoral and technical guidelines, lack of legal provision, lack of monitoring, absence of EIA review approach and lack of transparency [5].…”

“…While many of these countries have started their megaprojects since the 1970s, most of them have developed and imposed the relevant EIA laws and regulations later; e.g., UAE in 1999 [5]. Current EIAs of these countries suffer from weaknesses, including lack of specific guidelines for sectoral and technical guidelines, lack of legal provision, lack of monitoring, absence of EIA review approach and lack of transparency [5]. Hastily prepared developmental plans and actions as well as rapid urbanization have ruined the pristine natural landscapes in these countries while EIA was absent for much of the past.…”

“…By searching the existing literature, the author's findings were also observed to be applicable to other dryland countries in the Middle East region. In these dryland areas of the Middle East, EIA at the national level had not been introduced until 1990s [5], and even later for their cities (e.g., Abu Dhabi in 2003: [6]). Compared to the growing South Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines) which initiated the EIA process before 1990 [7] and China in 1973 [8], there has been a noticeable gap between the EIA, if any, and the implementation of megaprojects in the Middle East.…”

Industries and Environmental Impact Assessment: Analysis of the Screening Process in Argentina

“…Comparative case studies of national EIA systems are widespread in literature (e.g. Glasson and Salvador 2000, Ahmad and Wood 2002, Kolhoff et al 2013, Al-Azri et al 2014, Gałaś et al 2015. National case studies are also quite common for both developed and developing countries (e.g.…”