Good Practices for Environmental Impact Assessment and Meaningful Engagement in the Arctic

Abstract

The overarching purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to outline the envi- ronmental consequences of a project for the proponent and authorities, the public and eventu- ally decision makers. It is conducted through a process of identifying, communicating, predict- ing and interpreting information on the potential impacts of a proposed development on the environment – and proposes measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate negative impacts. Pub- lic participation is an integral part of EIA. Incorporating views from the public facilitates more informed EIAs and subsequent decision-making.