Dealing with the cultural heritage aspect of environmental impact assessment in Europe

Abstract

The Environment Assessment Directive of the European Union (EU) requires that the potential impacts on cultural heritage of proposed developments are examined. This paper considers how well cultural heritage is considered in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) within the EU by analysing the results of three studies that encompass an examination of an ‘information processing’ and an ‘institutionalist’ model for EIA. In combination, the studies provided evidence for inadequate consideration of cultural heritage. The three main issues are: cultural heritage is mainly restricted to built heritage in studies; there is a need for better guidance on how best to consider the implications of proposals on cultural heritage; and cultural heritage needs to be considered earlier in the process and should include greater public participation.

Keywords:

• cultural heritage
• EIA
• guidance
• practice
• European Union