SluitenHelpPrint
Switch to English
Cursus: GEO3-2123
GEO3-2123
Environmental Impact Assessment
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeGEO3-2123
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
 
 
After completion of the course, the student is able to:
  • Comprehend and critically assess Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Netherlands and abroad;
  • Learn methods of impact assessment and when it is appropriate to use them;
  • Understand and critically reflect on the formal legal procedure and the political decision-making process of EIA;
  • Analyse and compare the role and motivations of different stakeholders within EIA;
  • Critically assess the role of EIA in decision-making;
  • Analyse the content of an EIA/SEA;
  • Obtain writing and presenting skills through various individual and group assignments;
  • Acquire skills in cooperation and negotiation through Serious Gaming: roleplay in a real-life EIA case.


 
Inhoud
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal instrument used to measure and manage the impacts of a proposed development on the environment and society. EIA was first implemented in the United States in 1969 and incorporated in the Dutch legislation in 1986. In the years since it has become the most powerful tool for ensuring that the environment and people are considered in decision-making associated with proposed project development. EIA is now part of (almost) all national legal systems worldwide. With rapidly accelerating population growth and infrastructural development globally, the implementation and effectiveness of EIA are of significant importance.

EIA and strategic environmental assessments (SEA) are important and valuable applied environmental instruments, making this course pertinent to those who aim to work in consultancies. This course also provides a relevant foundation for students generally interested in policy-making, sustainable development, and environmental law.  This course is worthwhile and relevant to all environmental specialists. Both, students of natural sciences and social sciences may follow the course.

After an introduction, a focus on the differences between EIA and SEA will be presented. International development will be considered and how the instrument is made operational in the European Union as well as in various other countries, including developing countries is presented. Next, impact-prediction methods, how these methods are used, and the possibilities and limitations to predicting impacts on the environment are presented. Environmental and social aspects are divided into the following themes: water, soil, biodiversity, climate change, social impact assessment, and human rights, and cultural heritage. Possibilities for mitigation and compensation of project impacts are emphasized. Finally, quality and added value of EIA and SEA are critically discussedAspects such as context, participation, and communication, influence on the decision-making, quality criteria, etc will be considered.
SluitenHelpPrint
Switch to English