coordination mechanisms for environmental impact assessment in pakistan- saadullah ayaz

7/28/2019 Coordination Mechanisms for Environmental Impact Assessment in Pakistan- Saadullah Ayaz

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IAIA13 Impact Assessment: The Next Generation. Calgary, Alberta. Canada

Coordination Mechanisms for Environmental

Impact Assessment in Pakistan(Paper ID: 36)

Saadullah Ayaz and Azfar Hassan Ansari

CONCURENT SESSION 1.2.9. Broader thinking in impact assessment

Quarter Horse C: May 15, 2013
http://www.google.com.pk/imgres?q=embassy+of+kingdom+of+netherlands&start=103&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1093&bih=498&tbm=isch&tbnid=8-p1i1LJdz2ilM:&imgrefurl=http://www.kwrc.org/en/index.php&docid=LMyofYBb55vicM&imgurl=http://www.kwrc.org/en/images/stories/netherlands_logo.jpg&w=1260&h=900&ei=MqhQUKWrBdGChQfgloGYBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=425&vpy=155&dur=989&hovh=190&hovw=266&tx=153&ty=126&sig=113646826460846678570&page=8&tbnh=129&tbnw=181&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:103,i:61


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EIA is the primary mean of managing the approval of new development projects in

Pakistan. The Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA-

1997) directs that IEE/EIA is to be conducted where any project is likely to cause

adverse environmental effect

Coordination between involved actors is crucial for an effective EIA system (as it

involves multiple institutions at federal and provincial levels)

To review the existing coordination mechanisms between the institutions involvedin project formulation to approval and conduction EIA/grant of approval and

identify gaps/shortcomings which are impeding the EIA process implementation inPakistan

Puts-forth recommendations for improving the coordination between federal andprovincial departments for improved coordination for effective implementation ofEIA system in Pakistan

1. BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE


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2. INTRODUCTIONThe success of EIA system in Pakistan relies on the effectiveness and cooperation of

many complimentary institutions both at federal and provincial levels

During year-2010, an amendment has been made to the Constitution of Pakistan (referred to

as 18th Constitutional Amendment). After this, subject of environment (besides others) has

been delegated to the provinces.

This devolution has created lacunas for inter-agency coordination, particularly those related

to projects/schemes having trans-provincial impacts

3. EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR EIA IN PAKISTAN

Institutions involved in EIA/project approval are

i. Planning Commission of Pakistan

ii. Federal Ministries/Divisions

iii. Federal and Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies

iv. Provincial Planning & Development Departments


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4. MAPPING OF EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATIONMECHANISMS

4.1. Legal Mechanisms

Enactment of provincial environmental laws

4.2. Institutional Mechanismsi. Vertical Coordination between layers of government

ii. Inter-agency Coordination

iii. Coordination between project proponents and approval forums

iv. Coordination regarding overlapping mandates

4.3. Technical Mechanisms

i. Limitation of skills and capacities

ii. Post-project evaluation (never done)

4.4. Financial MechanismsCurrent schedule of charges are not sufficient


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5. RECOMMENDATIONS

i. Enactment of Provincial Legal Framework

All provinces have initiated the process of enactment of their own environmental law after

the devolution

ii. Promoting Multi-stakeholder ParticipationAn enabling environment to enhance multi-stakeholder participation in environmental

assessment process needs to be created

iii. Enhancement of Institutional Capacities

Capacities at all levels need to be strengthened for conducting and reviewing environmental

examinations

iv. Expert/Institutional NetworkingCreation of a well-organized inter-agency/inter-departmental and inter-provincial networks


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v. Inter-Provincial Coordination

Inter-provincial coordination through formal and informal forums, (like Expert

Committees) needs to be created and further strengthened (where exist)

vi. Information Sharing

between project proponents/experts and responsible authority/approving forums is

essential for improved coordination. Role of virtual networks

vii. Standardization and Accreditation

Need for empanelment and/or accreditation of environment consultants/experts

involved in conducting the environmental assessment

viii. Removing Financial Barriers

Make finances available during feasibility of project. Realistic revision of current

schedule of fees

ix. Improving Governance

Re-structuring and further strengthening of provincial EPAs and Environment Sections

within P&DDs


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Comments, feedback/ Questions?

[email protected]
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