WATCH: Short Explainer Video ‘What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)’?

In this second video for its ‘Who Stole Our Oceans’ campaign, The Green Connection speaks with Professor Merle Sowman – a renowned expert on environmental management tools – about the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (also known as EIAs). The short explainer ‘What is an EIA?’ looks at how this mechanism is meant to ensure the protection of human and environmental rights for communities who may be affected by proposed oil and gas projects.

According to Professor Sowman, environmental impact assessments (or EIAs) are important processes that provide opportunities for the voices and concerns communities to be heard. If the value of these local inputs is recognised, then those voices help shape the final project. This means that we then end up with sustainable development projects that are not only going to serve and improve human well-being but will also ensure that we do not damage the environment.

There are several stages in the EIA process where the public have the opportunity to be involved, providing unique insight into potential impacts and other concerns. It is very important that communities know and are more aware of these rights (enshrined in the Constitution and in the NEMA, and in the EIA regulations). Communities also need to be clear about at what stages of the process they should be consulted.

Watch the short explainer video ‘What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?’ in the language of your choice:

For isiXhosa, click here: Intoni kuVavanyo lweMpembelelo kokusiNgqongileyo (EIA)?

For English, click here: What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

For Afrikaans, click here: Wat is ‘n Omgewingsimpakstudie (EIA)?

Other videos in the series include ‘Opposing Oil and Gas Exploration in South Africa’, ‘Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) within the Oil and Gas Industry’ and ‘How Does Parliament Work?’

For more information about The Green Connection’s Who Stole Our Oceans campaign, follow us on the socials: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.