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An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process which identifies the environmental impacts of a development project and clearly outlines measures to mitigate the negative impacts caused during project construction, implementation and decommissioning.
The Environmental Management Act defines an Environmental Impact assessment as “an evaluation of a project to determine its impact on the environment and human health and to set out the required environmental monitoring and management procedures and plans”.
The EIA is thus a tool that enhances sustainable development where environmental, economic and social pillars are mainstreamed in the project in a balanced manner.
In Zimbabwe, the projects that need Environmental Impact Assessments are listed in the first Schedule of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) and they include mining, quarrying, housing developments, ore processing among others. The EIA is based on the “precautionary principle” a process which directs project studies and address environmental impacts before they occur.
EIA is a tool to achieve the desired balance between development and environmental protection.
EMA plays a facilitative role in as far as the EIA process is concerned. The Agency has reduced EIA fees for all prescribed projects with effect from December 1, 2015 in the interest of the ease of doing business in the country. The EIA fees have been reduced on a sliding scale based on the impact of each developmental project on the environment.
Furthermore, staggered payments can been done on each stage of development of the project as shown below:
The new fee structure is aimed at boosting sustainable investment in the country as we endeavor to balance environmental, economic and social components in a growing economy. So why wait to regularise your operations?
An EIA is a tool that does not inhibit but enhances development.
ECO-QUIZ
List any 3 projects which require an EIA.
Inbox your answers to our Facebook account; Environmental Management Agency. Indicate your full name, age, sex, address and nearest EMA office. The deadline is March 21st, 2016.
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THE REPORTING CAN BE DONE THROUGH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS:
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