Mekong Eye - News, analysis and opinion focusing on the environment and sustainability of the Mekong region

30 August 2016 at 3:15  (Updated on 11 January 2024 at 0:45)
Mekong Partnership for the Environment
USAID-funded Mekong Partnership for the Environment (MPE) has invited public comment on the draft Regional Guidelines on Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), via mekongcitizen.org/EIA. These regional EIA guidelines have been developed by the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) on EIA in response to the shared concern for how to increase meaningful public participation in development planning, particularly in the context of rising levels of investment for development projects across the Mekong region.
The guidelines provide a regional “good practice” approach to public participation in EIA and are intended to complement national laws and policies – where they already exist – with additional “how to” detail. Public review and comments will help to improve the guidelines and ensure they are practical and implementable.
The Guidelines’ purpose is to provide practical guidance for implementing meaningful public participation in the EIA process in the Mekong region, in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the EIA process, while reducing risks for all stakeholders involved. The use of the guideline is envisioned to result in improved, sustainable, and more equitable development outcomes.
The RTWG on EIA is comprised of a diverse group of 25 representatives from 10 Ministries and 10 civil society organizations from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. They are supported by national technical advisors and other international technical experts. For more information on the RTWG on EIA and public consultations across the Mekong region, please visit: mekongcitizen.org/about/mpe/rtwg-on-eia/.
Please log in, comment and contribute to finding shared solutions for responsible development in the Lower Mekong region.  The official comment period will close at 5:00 PM on October 31, 2016 (Bangkok time). Members of the RTWG on EIA will subsequently review and consider comments received and finalize the guidelines in early 2017.
This is an outreach announcement from the USAID–funded Mekong Partnership for the Environment (MPE), a key supporter of The Mekong Eye.
Lead photo: The Announcement for Online Consultation: Draft Regional Guidelines for Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Credit: MPE
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