Quality of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study reports and determinants affecting the quality of ESIA in the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority

Abstract

The quality of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of EIA system reports, which are essential for informed decision-making. The purpose of this research is to assess the quality of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study reports and to identify the key factors influencing their quality. This study is based on a review of ESIA documents from various projects, as well as insights from environmental officers, consultants, and managers of consulting firms regarding the quality of ESIA reports submitted to the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority. The quality of 20 ESIA study reports from different sectors and periods was examined using the Lee & Colley review package. The findings indicate that the quality of nine ESIA reports was satisfactory, although certain components were poorly addressed. In contrast, 11 reports were found to be of unsatisfactory quality, with many areas falling below acceptable standards. According to 82 % of respondents, the main factors contributing to the poor quality of ESIA documents included the attitude of project proponents, the composition of assessment teams, lack of funding, insufficient study duration, the performance of EIA practitioners, limited public participation, ineffective decision-making, corrupt practices in EIA processes, and inadequate baseline data. To improve the quality of future ESIA reports, it is recommended that periodic and systematic reviews be conducted. These reviews should aim to identify and hold accountable developers and consultants who produce substandard ESIA reports, thereby ensuring better practices in future projects.