Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (Eia): A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing public participation in Environmental Impact Assessment. It x-rayed the various objectives of public participation in EIA, the prospects and challenges of public participation with a view to making worthwhile recommendation necessary for better public participation in the EIA process.The paper argue that greater attention to public participation during the EIA process leads to better environmental assessment, and thus to the formulation of projects that deliver more social benefits, fewer environmental costs and greater economic and financial benefits.It however opined that such participation should be early in other to tap the knowledge of the general public thereby generating additional benefits to the investor in terms of cutting costs, reducing risks and preserving good reputation within the affected community.

The Implementation of Public Participation for Sia and Eia in Malaysia

“…It can enhance decision-making and empower communities in resource development; however, its effectiveness varies depending on the specific project and country (C. Cagnon et al, 1993). Despite the challenges of implementation of public participation in Malaysia's planning system (Marlyana et al,2022), enhanced public participation in the assessments will lead to improved project formulation, resulting in increased social benefits, reduced environmental costs, and greater economic and financial advantages (E. Kanu et al,2018). The implementation of SIA comprises various processes, from screening to auditing phases.…”

Importance of Public Engagement in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the Benefits of Stakeholder Involvement in Project Design, Environmental Soundness, and Social Acceptability

“…About 37% of Ghana's total exports are made up of minerals, with gold being the most valuable mineral at over 90% of all exports [8]. [11] noted and found that public engagement in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) tends to improve project design, environmental soundness, and social acceptability. The study focused on public participation and EIA in China and Taiwan.…”