Had an opportunity to make a presentation to Minister Yasmine Fouad of Egypt on possible reforms on EIA and introduction of an environmental permitting system.

Was impressed with her keen interest and commitment.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is still looked as a requirement for clearance alone and not as a “value add”.

We still look at EIA at the project level. Regional EIAs that address cumulative impacts are not legislated in most countries. And policy reviews (e.g. on plastic bans) are not carried out using tools like Strategic EIA.

Few countries have begun integrating climate change considerations in the EIA process. But we have a long way to go.