International biodiversity-related treaties and impact assessment — how can they help each other?

Abstract

This paper briefly introduces the ‘biodiversity-related’ treaties or conventions, and their rather basic provisions (but deeper implications) regarding impact assessment. Some initiatives in the past decade to develop this area are reviewed, in particular, the building of linkages between the conventions world and the environmental impact assessment/strategic environmental assessment (EIA/SEA) world, adoption of decisions and guidance, and project activities. The paper reflects on what EIA/SEA can offer to implementation of conventions, and in turn what conventions can offer to the application and advancement of EIA/SEA. Some future directions and opportunities are highlighted.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• international conventions
• linkages
• guidance