Sectorial variation in the quality of environmental impact statements and factors influencing the quality

Abstract

This paper assesses the overall quality of the EISs of four major sectors and the variation in quality of the EISs among the four sectors in Bangladesh. While there are ample studies on the overall quality of EISs irrespective of sectors, there is a lack of research focus in Bangladesh or elsewhere on how the quality of EISs varies by sectors. This study reviews 40 EISs of four major sectors in Bangladesh by using the Lee-Colley method. The review findings indicate that, in general, the quality of EISs in Bangladesh is satisfactory. However, there is a variation in the quality of EISs by sectors where EISs for two sectors are found to be below the satisfactory level. The reasons behind the variation in the quality of EISs by sector are analysed. Furthermore, this paper analyses the factors influencing the overall quality of EISs in Bangladesh as 35% of EISs are still poorly prepared. The factors responsible for the poor performance of EISs include inadequate study time, the lack of baseline data, weak EIA teams, the lack of EIA experts, inadequate funds and weak Terms of Reference.

Keywords:

• environmental impact statements
• EIS quality
• Bangladesh

Acknowledgments

This paper has been produced as a part of a PhD research project (2008‒2012) funded by the Australian Government under Endeavour Postgraduate Award. The authors acknowledge the and mentoring support from Professor John Rolfe, Director of Centre for Environmental Management, CQ University, Australia. The authors are grateful to two anonymous reviewers who made valuable comments on the previously submitted draft.