Multistage environmental and social impact assessment of road projects guidelines for a comprehensive process

Abstract

This publication focuses on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of road projects and implementation problems in the UNESCAP region. The environmental and social damages caused by road infrastructure development and traffic operations are presented. The current issues of the EIA process for road projects in the region are discussed based on a review of the existing EIA process and an assessment and evaluation of several recent studies. The following elements are recommended to improve EIA process: multistage process; equal emphasis on social and environmental impacts; legal framework, institutional coordination and professional accountability; and effective public participation. Guidelines for a comprehensive multistage process of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) are presented