The state of the art of environmental impact assessment (EIA)

Retief, F. P., Bond, A. J., Alberts, R. C., Roos, C. and Cilliers, D. P. (2026) The state of the art of environmental impact assessment (EIA). Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal. ISSN 1461-5517

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Abstract

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) continues to evolve in response to new environmental, social, and regulatory challenges. The aim of this paper is to provide a current perspective on the state of the art of EIA in terms of practice and effectiveness. This is achieved through a literature review and SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). Results show that EIA practice is globally established, with over 190 countries maintaining some form of EIA legislation, supported by growing numbers of professional networks and best practice guidelines. On effectiveness, while strengths include legal frameworks and institutional maturity, weaknesses, such as poor follow-up, limited stakeholder engagement, and political interference persist. Opportunities lie in leveraging technology, enhancing communication, and strengthening participatory approaches. However, streamlining pressures, political and development agendas, and substitution by other instruments remain significant threats.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	environmental impact assessment,theory,practice,participation,quality,effectiveness,environmental science(all) ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2300
Faculty \ School:	University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Environmental Social Sciences
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2026 11:30
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2026 01:09
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101691
DOI:	10.1080/14615517.2026.2612894

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