Introduction

Currently the supposed most valuable tool we have to help us protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations is Environmental Impact assessments (EIAs). It is accepted that there are a number of challenges facing EIA, one of which is the serious lack of EIA capacity that exists within civil society. This lack of understanding environmental concerns, consequences, benefits and rights is a serious area of concern.

The Programme

WESSA’s mission is ‘to promote Public Participation in caring for the Earth.’ It is in line with these principles and those enshrined in National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), that WESSA (in partnership with WWF-SA and the Mazda Wildlife Fund) has formulated a project that aims to drive the development of capacity through EI

OBJECTIVES

• Develop and Implement an EIA Capacity Building Training Programme suitable for use by the layman nationally.
• Equip a significant number of WESSA staff, members and other members of civil society with the capacity to make meaningful comments on EIAs in their respective areas.
• Create awareness of environmental rights through highlighting current environmental challenges (such as climate change, water issues, loss of biodiversity etc.) and promoting active participation to facilitate better decisions leading to sustainable development.

WHY THE NEED FOR SUCH A PROGRAMME?

• The public are seldom, if at all, educated in the EIA process. There is little to no prior environmentally embedded knowledge.
• Members of the public are often not aware of developments in their immediate environment or their associated consequences.
• There is often an apathetic response from the public, even after going the proverbial extra mile to notify the public of any meetings and developments in the EIA process.
• The public seem to have the view that the EAP’s work with the developer and has the interests of the developer at heart.
• There is often not enough public participation, especially when rural communities are involved.

Legally Speaking

There is ample legislation that has been established, that entitles the public to become constructively involved in planning and decision-making (Barnard, 2005).

Example: Section 2 (4)(f) states the following;

“The participation of all interested and affected parties (IA&P’s) in environmental governance must be to promote, and all people must have the opportunity to develop the understanding, skills and capacity necessary for achieving equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured.”

A clear need exists for building public capacity in EIA, moreover it is an urgent need. Concurrently, other EIA role players need to be more inclusive, accommodating, engaging and consistent in striving towards a common goal. The public’s involvement is paramount if we are to succeed in achieving fair and improved decision-making that leads to sustainable livelihoods. However, once capacitated, civil society needs to accept co-responsibility in the way the environment is managed and utilized. ”

EIA - COURSES

2½ day course on understanding Environmental Impact Assessment.

Date:    20-22 January 2010
KwaZulu-Natal
Venue:  WESSA Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Goldfields centre

Click here for more details

2½ day course on understanding Environmental Impact Assessment.

Date:    10-12 February 2010
Eastern Cape
Venue:  WESSA Envirocentre, Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve, East London
Click here for more details  

Contributing to Sustainable Development and Decision Making:

EIA COURSE REPORT

EIA course report that was run in July 2009 in Midrand - Download Report

EIA NEWS

 Understanding Environmental Impact Assessment

Contributing to Sustainable Development and Decision Making

CPUT EIA course April 09  - Click here to open

Click the poster image to view a larger view:

Chris Galliers receiving the trophy and prize of R2000 for best poster from Rod Bulman of Phelamanga Consulting at the IAIAsa Bela Bela conference 2008 wich was won for the best Poster at the IAIAsa conference in Aug 2008.

:: Best Practices - added - 04-07-08

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