The role of environmental impact assessment in promoting sustainable industrial development (a case study of the plastics industry in Kampala)
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Date
2008-08
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Abstract
EIA is a critical examination of the potential effects of any proposed project on the environment with the aim of mitigating them. It has been noted that the role of EIA which ultimately is to achieve sustainable development, has not been played as expected.
This research aims at finding out the extent to which developers in the plastics industry are familiar with EIA and its role in promoting sustainable development, the problems encountered as the process is carried out and implemented and the benefits EIA has as regards sustainable development are also looked at. It also attempts to verify the contribution of EIA to sustainable development by comparing an industry that has carried out EIA and one which has not done so.
Benefits of EIA in promoting sustainable development are covered in the repo1t and include the fact that it has become an international requirement for assessing and managing impacts on the environment, the specific focus EIA gives to projects has enabled efficiency in managing the environment, it has influenced development decisions to favor environmental management. EIA has also led to the avoidance of costly impacts to the environment, creation of environmental awareness and generally environmentally sound planning, all of which are important in promoting sustainable development
Some of the problems encountered in carrying out and implementing EIA covered in the repo1t include; inadequate public participation which means some views are not represented, coordination problems between the lead agencies, practitioners and industries .There are also challenges in post EIA monitoring, the quality of E!As produced is questionable and the value of EIA after project commencement has also created a problem of mistakes being made earlier hence EIA has no opportunity to address them.
In the industry that has carried out EIA, there are generally better environmental management practices than where the EIA was not done. Employees are environmentally conscious and their health and safety considerations are followed. The industry that has carried out EIA also has better public image and transparency than the one which did not do so.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted To Faculty Of Social Sciences In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For The Award Of Bachelor Of Science In Environmental Management Of Kampala International University
Keywords
Environmental impact assessment, Sustainable industrial development, plastics industry, Kampala