The Concept of Environmental Assessment for Projects – By Dr. Ahmed Barania

1. Introduction

The concept of environmental protection aims to preserve and protect ecosystems from pollution from various sources. These sources have become numerous and diverse, leading to the deterioration of ecosystems and their resources. This concept also aims to protect the environment from depletion or extinction.

Despite the importance of this concept, new trends have emerged in environmental protection, stemming from the study of environmental problems, particularly those related to monitoring and evaluating development, industrial, or other vital projects that are intended to meet the needs of life on Earth. These projects may themselves become sources of other environmental problems, polluting various ecosystems such as water, air, and soil, and depleting their natural resources such as water and energy.

Thus, the relationship between the environment and development becomes clear, a relationship that has led to a convergence after a period of conflict. This convergence is evident in the agreement between environmental and development specialists, stemming from the concept of sustainable development. While development specialists initially believed that excessive focus on the environment might hinder development and limit its progress, they later realized that considering environmental factors is essential for development, especially after environmental problems began to impede development and damage the resources upon which development processes depend. Consequently, these environmental considerations must be taken into account in their development plans and projects through what has become known as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA must consider the environmental conditions of projects to prevent damage to resources and systems, both now and in the future.

2. What is Environmental Impact Assessment?

It can be said that the process of environmental impact assessment began in the early 1970s in developed countries such as the United States. Indeed, in these countries, environmental impact assessment is an integral part of the planning and decision-making process for proposed development interventions, activities, or projects. Based on the environmental impacts of a project or intervention, a decision is made to either proceed with, halt, or modify the project, whether it is a governmental or private sector initiative. The process of environmental impact assessment has evolved to encompass all technical, economic, social, political, and cultural aspects, coinciding with the trend towards sustainability in development projects.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) involves studying the project and its potential impacts, particularly for large-scale projects such as massive industrial developments and energy production facilities, especially power plants. In such projects, several environmental factors must be considered, including potential pollution, waste disposal and treatment processes, and the project's relationship with natural resources like water and electricity. This involves determining the project's resource consumption and its impact on natural resources and nearby residential and other infrastructure.