Sustainability and responsible development should be more than just buzzwords; they should be the main focus for the long-term success of any infrastructure project, big or small. Especially for large projects, evaluating possible risks and effects is important before starting construction– this is where Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) plays a role; helping to protect the environment and reduce any real or potential negative impacts.
What is ESIA?
ESIA is a method used to gather and evaluate information about the environment before making decisions on projects or policies. It focuses on predicting and assessing the possible environmental and social effects of a proposed project, looking at different options, and creating suitable plans to reduce negative impacts, manage risks, and monitor outcomes. It also aims to ensure that the environment and local communities gain benefits or, at the very least, are not harmed by the proposed project.
ESIAs assist governments in planning and coordinating efforts to improve environmental management and protect their communities. This can lead to reducing climate change effects, creating job opportunities, developing skills after project closure, sharing infrastructure, and including women in decision-making processes.
Purpose & Objective
ESIA determines the good and negative effects of a project’s execution.
This is determined by examining the consequences of interactions between environmental and social components, as well as the numerous activities of a project’s development.
The objective of conducting ESIA is to identify and assess the severity of potential impacts on receptors and identified resources; develop and describe mitigation measures that will be taken to prevent or minimize any potential negative effects to the environment and community.
Why is ESIA becoming the Gold Standard?
In today’s business and regulatory landscape, sustainability is no longer an afterthought—it is a prerequisite for success. With growing emphasis from global organizations and ESG-driven investors, ESIA is increasingly recognized as the gold standard for project impact assessments. Its comprehensive approach ensures a balance between profitability and responsibility, enabling organizations to:
- Gain public trust through inclusive stakeholder engagement.
- Meet international funding requirements and align with global sustainability goals.
- Mitigate risks that could lead to project delays or reputational damage.
By adopting ESIA, businesses not only safeguard the environment and communities but also position themselves as leaders in sustainable development.
Both EIA and ESIA have important roles in responsible project planning, but ESIA’s inclusion of the social aspects makes it essential for modern, large-scale developments. Just like various organizations who prioritize sustainability, integrating ESIA into project planning ensures that development is not only environmentally-friendly but also fair to the community. By doing this, we create a future where development and responsibility go hand-in-hand where both people and the planet benefit without compromising the needs of future generations.
Difference between ESIA and EIA
| EIA | ESIA |
Scope | Focuses solely on environmental impacts. | Includes both environmental and social impacts. |
Stakeholder Focus | Primarily aimed at regulators. | Involves regulators, communities, and NGOs. |
Application | Required for national compliance. | Essential for projects with international funding (e.g., World Bank, IFC). |
EIA guarantees the environmental viability of a project. Conversely, ESIA enhances this process by integrating social responsibility into development initiatives. As sustainability emerges as a global imperative, ESIAs are increasingly recognized as essential rather than optional for significant infrastructure projects. They facilitate a balance among economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, establishing them as a fundamental component of responsible and sustainable development in the 21st century.
The ESIA Process
The ESIA process is a systematic technique to evaluate a project and its associated activities throughout the project. The process includes:
- Screening and Scoping– initial screening of the project and scoping of the assessment process;
- Project Alternatives and Base Case Design;
- Existing Environmental and Socio-Economic Conditions– stakeholder identification (focusing on those directly affected) and gathering of environmental and social baseline data
- Impact Assessment– impact identification, prediction, and evaluation of residual impacts Generation of mitigation or management measures and actions
- Disclosure and Stakeholder Consultation; and Monitoring and Mitigation.
Source: iFluids Engineering
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Different stages of ESIA
In general, the Philippine version of ESIA has six sequential stages:
- Screening
- Scoping
- ESIA Study and Report Preparation
- ESIA Review and Evaluation
- Decision Making
- Post-ECC Monitoring, Validation and Evaluation/Audit stage
To have a better grasp of these stages, you may watch this video compilation from the Netherlands Commission for Environment Assessment:
Video link: ESIA process
ESIA Steps and Processes
- An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is required before proceeding to your conduct of ESIA
- Then, for new big projects, you need to submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If your project is smaller, you will need to prepare an Initial Environmental Examination Checklist
- For existing or expanding ongoing projects, you need to submit an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) and programmatic ESIA documents.
Screening Process
To determine your project’s ESIA requirements, you will first be assessed for your corresponding category:
- Category A: Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) with significant environmental impacts.
- Category B: Non-ECP projects in environmentally critical areas (ECAs).
- Category C: Projects aimed at improving environmental quality within ECAs.
- Category D: Projects unlikely to cause adverse impacts.
Once categorized and deemed covered for compliance, you will then proceed to further scoping processes:
The ESIA Scoping Process
At this stage, you must be ready with your Executive summary, project description, baseline conditions, risk assessment, and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). When all those are in place, here are the next steps:- Inform stakeholders through Local Government Units (LGUs).
- Request scoping and submit relevant checklists to the EMB.
- Conduct project briefing, public scoping, and technical scoping.
- Finalize and approve the scoping checklist.
Your ESIA will also need your prior EIA Report, which should include the following:
- Project description and alternatives.
- Environmental characterization and impact analysis.
- Mitigation measures and an Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan (with costs and commitments).
Consultant Accreditation
- Should you be hiring external consultants for the conduct of your ESIA and EIA, you must ensure that they are registered with the DENR-EMB and that they have each undergone their respective ESIA trainings.
Review and Approval Stage
- Your documents will then be reviewed by the DENR-EMB and a technical ESIA Review Committee
- Once approved, an ECC will either be issued or denied, with a detailed explanation.
- In case of denial, the decision may be appealed within 15 days on grounds of discretion abuse or errors.
Integration into Decision-Making
- ECC and land clearance by DENR must be obtained before project implementation.
- Local Government Units and other agencies also require project approval.
Post-Approval Compliance
- Proponents must monitor and report ECC compliance semi-annually.
- Multi-partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) include stakeholders and review project impacts.
- Non-compliance penalties: Minor offenses (₱10,000+), Major offenses (₱25,000+), repeated offenses (₱50,000+ and ECC revocation).
Public Participation and Transparency
- Stakeholder engagement during scoping, ESIA study, and public hearings.
- Draft ESIA reports may be published online for public comments.
- MMTs allow community participation.
ESIA for the environment and for the future generation
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is essential for the development of effective infrastructure projects. To achieve significant outcomes, ESIA must extend beyond mere documentation and regulatory compliance; it should actively engage with pertinent social issues and thoughtfully incorporate the perspectives and requirements of local communities. When all stakeholders recognize ESIA as a strategic instrument for developing impactful and sustainable projects, rather than a mere procedural obligation, we can establish infrastructure that fulfills current demands while also benefiting future generations. This approach is focused on fostering a durable, positive impact for both society and the environment.
References:
- Corsi, S., Oppio, A., & Dendena, B. (2015). ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment): A tool to minimize territorial conflicts. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 43, 1813–1818.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau EIAM Division. (n.d.). Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Netherlands, Philippines (The). (n.d.). Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
- ESIA – eia.nl. (n.d.-b). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
- ESIA/SEA per country – Eia.nl. (n.d.). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
- Golla, S. (n.d.). Differences between environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
- LANDac, The Netherlands Land Academy. (n.d.). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (n.d.). Environmental impact assessment (EIA). Government of India.
- Pöyry Tecnologia Ltda. (n.d.). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA): Parael eucalyptus plantation, departments of Concepción and Amambay – Paraguay.
- P, A. (2023, July 20). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) – iFLUIDS engineering | engineering and consulting services. iFLUIDS Engineering | Engineering and Consulting Services.
- Smith, E. (n.d.). An introduction to international ESIA: Key social issues, challenges, and opportunities. Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).
- Stam, C., & LANDac. (2021). Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA): More than ticking the box? LANDac.