The environmental impact assessment auditing process in Greece: evidence from the prefectural level

Abstract

This article presents the findings of nation-wide research of Greek prefectural environmental bureaus (EBs) dealing with environmental impact assessment and auditing (EIA&A). The research was conducted through a questionnaire mailed to the heads of the EBs, tackling a number of quantitative and qualitative issues. Based on the answers received (a 73% response rate) it finds that the Greek EBs are suffering from (specialised) staff and equipment shortages as well as work overload since the number of EIA studies submitted for approval is increasing through time. Also, it reports on the EBs heads' perceptions of the major shortcomings of the EIA&A process at the prefectural level. It is found that the procedure is considered too legalistic and bureaucratic, thus, coupled with the EBs' staff shortages and excessive workload, appropriate EIA&A cannot occur.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• environmental impact auditing
• prefectures
• problems
• Greece