Environmental impact assessment for wetlands: Scoping

Abstract

In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the scoping phase is used to define the focus of the EIA and to identify key issues to be studied in more detail. Scoping results in terms of reference for the EIA study and sets out the proposed approach and methodology. The steps of the scoping process can be followed in an iterative way depending on the information gathered and the project or ecosystem at hand. This includes a description of the proposed project, of the expected biophysical changes, and of possible alternative project plans; determination of the spatial and temporal extent of the changes and of effects on linked ecosystems and land use systems; assessment of effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services, and of possible measures to avoid or mitigate the impact; and identification of potential surveys needed to gather information. Many of the steps in the scoping process involve stakeholder participation. A number of practical recommendations for the scoping process is given.