Assignment 2 Environment

QUESTION: Discuss the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) process in the Environmental
management Agency Act. (25 marks)
The Environmental Management Agency Act, Chapter 20:27, of Zimbabwe provides a comprehensive
framework for environmental management, with EIAs being an important component. EIA is a
systematic process that helps in identifying and assessing the potential environmental impacts of
proposed projects, plans, or policies. This essay will provide an in-depth discussion of the EIA process in
the Environmental Management Agency Act, highlighting its importance, benefits, and challenges.
The EIA process in Zimbabwe is triggered by specific activities or projects that are listed in the First
Schedule of the Act. Activities listed in the First Schedule include mining, construction of dams,
infrastructure development, and other projects that are likely to result in significant environmental
impacts. The proponent of the project, normally the person or entity that is proposing the project, is
responsible for conducting the EIA study.
The different stages of the EIA process include, but are not limited to, screening. At this stage, the
proponent will submit a project brief to the EMA on projects for which an EIA may or may not be
considered necessary. Where EIA is necessary, scoping is the next stage that identifies the potential
environmental impacts that shall form the scope of study for the EIA. Consultation with EMA,
stakeholders, and the public takes place to ensure that all relevant issues are brought into the limelight.
The EIA study shall involve data collection, impact prediction, and mitigation measures. The proponent
should take into consideration the probable environmental impacts of the project regarding air and
water quality, soil, flora, and fauna. They should identify measures that could mitigate or minimize these
impacts.
Upon completion, the proponent submits an EIA report to EMA, incorporating the findings, conclusions,
and recommendations of the study. EMA then reviews the report for completeness with respect to the
requirements of the Act and whether the proponent has dealt sufficiently with the potential
environmental impacts.This helps to make sure safety of the environment comes first as the processes
comenses hence tackling all the loopholes and possible negative outcomes of a project or policy to be
put upon.
Available for public review and comment to ensure that stakeholders and interested parties have an
opportunity to air their concerns and contribute views. This stage is a great way to ensure that local
concerns of communities and other stakeholders are addressed.The Agency, after the review stage of
the public and comments, goes through the EIA report, public comments, and any other information
before making a decision to either approve, reject, or request more information. A proponent may
appeal to the Minister responsible for environmental management against a decision of EMA.
However, some of the major benefits of the EIA process include environmental protection, informed
decision-making, public participation, and sustainable development. This helps in that the project or
policy to be put upon is accepted by all parties who might be affected negatively or positively hence
cementing harmony and avoid environmental conflicts due to rebellions.EIAs are able to protect the
environment and contribute to sustainable development through the identification and mitigation of
potential impacts. The EIA process also offers a channel for public participation in which the
stakeholders and local communities can voice their concerns and give their views.
Despite the benefits, the EIA process in Zimbabwe, the country faces numerous challenges. The most
significant is the capacity and resource challenge at most rural areas. In this regard, EMA may not be
well equipped in terms of resources or skills to conduct comprehensive reviews of EIA reports, hence
leading to inadequate assessment of potential environmental impacts which may further bring harm to
the environment and further disturb human activities on land causing chaos.
The other challenge is insufficient public awareness and participation. This could be due to limited or no
knowledge about the EIA process from the local community or involvement in public reviews and
commentaries. This could then increase a lack of transparency and accountability in carrying out the
EIA.Moreover, the EIA process can be time-consuming and costly, which might act as a barrier to
proponents, especially those who are small-scale developers. The process may also be politically and
economically captured, hence compromising the integrity of the EIA process due to social decadences
such as nepotism, fraud, bribery and corruption.
To dismiss claims that say the essay above is an identical twin with an empty vessel, in the case of
Zimbabwe, the EIA process is an important tool in ensuring that development projects are ecologically
viable and socially responsible. While the process has a lot of benefits, such as environmental
protection, informed decision-making, public participation, and sustainable development, it also faces
several challenges, including a lack of capacity and resources, public awareness and participation, and
political and economic influences. Strengthening EMA capacity will help promote public awareness and
participation and ensure that EIA processes are transparent and accountable.
References:
Environmental Management Agency Act. (2002). Chapter 20:27.
Mukono, T. (2015). Environmental Impact Assessment in Zimbabwe: A Review of the Legal and
Institutional Framework. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 1(1), 1-15.
Moyo, N. (2017). Challenges Facing Environmental Impact Assessment in Zimbabwe. Journal of

Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 52, 1-9.
United Nations Environment Programme. (2002). Environmental Impact Assessment: A Tool for
Sustainable Development. UNEP.

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QUESTION: Discuss the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) process in the Environmental

management Agency Act. (25 marks)

Environmental Management Agency Act. (2002). Chapter 20:27.

Moyo, N. (2017). Challenges Facing Environmental Impact Assessment in Zimbabwe. Journal of

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