This web site carries information on the professional network of EIA (Environment Impact Assesment) Practitioners in South Asia.

This network is the result of some recent efforts by IUCN, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Netherlands EIA Commission. These efforts have led to the creation of the following National EA Associations:

National EA Association of Bangladesh (NEAB)

National EA Association of Nepal (NEAAN)

Pakistan EA Association (PEAA)

Sri Lanka EA Association (SLEAA)

Indian National Environment Assessment Association

Other countries where similar national EA associations are expected to be formed include Bhutan  and  Maldives.

For the purpose of professional coordination and harmonization of efforts, these national associations form a confederation called SAREAA (South Asian Regional Environment Assessment Association).

Support Structure

The current project (1999-2000) supporting the above activities is being implemented by the Regional Environment Assessment Program, IUCN-Asia. Monetary support for this work comes from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the additional technical support is provided by the Netherlands EIA Commission.

Objective

The main purpose of the effort is to build the environment assessment capacity of the South Asian countries through establishing and strengthening an independent institutional network that promotes an effective use of impact assessment techniques for integrating environment and development.

Expected Outcome:

The expected outcomes of this capacity development project are as follows:

• An independent network of EA Professionals established in South Asia.
• Information exchange mechanism put in place.
• Increased awareness amongst professionals, of the various impact assessment techniques for an effective integration of environment and development.
• Harmonisation of procedures used in impact assessment.
• Enhanced technical accuracy, especially in dealing with environmental impacts of transboundary nature.
• Minimized damage to the environment from the developmental activities.
• Maximized benefits of developmental activities.
• Enhanced credibility of the process and the practitioners.
• Self-sustaining institutional set-up in the form of national and regional associations to carry the mission beyond the project life.