Environmental Impact Assessments in Latin America
| Analytical Overview |
| Since the 1992 Earth Summit, many countries have adopted national Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) laws and policies to mitigate environmental damage resulting from economic development activites. |
Map Projection
Geographic
Map Description
This map shows the status of public participation in Environmental Impact Assessments in Latin America. Bolivia, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru legally mandate public participation early in the drafting process of Environmental Impact Assessments. Despite the broad trend toward the adoption of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) laws and frameworks in Latin America, there is considerable variation among the specific provisions for public participation. The forms of participation specified in Latin American legislation include requirements for public comment periods, meetings between authorities or project developers and affected parties to discuss findings, and, in a few cases, formal public hearings. In just over half the countries surveyed, the provisions incorporated into law provide for opportunities to comment on EIAs before they are final or officially approved by governments. The other half limit participation to comments on final or approved EIAs.
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Citation:
Petkova, E., Maurer, C., Henninger, N., and Irwin, F. 2002. Closing the Gap: Information, Participation and Justice in Decision-making for the Environment. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute.
Sources:
- Ibarra, L.. 2002. Public Participation Provisions in Environmental Impact Assessment: Laws and Policies of Latin American and the Caribbean Countries. World Resources Institute.
Unpublished Background Study.