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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Environmental Policy and Impact Assessment Procedures in Liberia

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Author Affiliations

  • 1 UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse Study, Tongji University, Siping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. CHINA

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 4, Issue (8), Pages 77-86, August,22 (2015)

Abstract

This paper employed the use of survey questionnaires; review of relevant literature and content analysis of EIA documentations to assess the effectiveness of the environmental policy and impact assessment procedures of Liberia. The evaluation was carried out against a review package developed by Ahmad and Wood. A thorough analysis revealed that despite still being at its early stage; significant gaps exist between policy and implementation, as well as between impact assessment procedures and practice in Liberia. We summarized those shortcomings to include limited scope of the screening process, lack of independent EIA review body, inadequate stakeholder participation, inadequate public awareness, and the absence of effective monitoring programs to oversee the performance of EIA approved projects or activities in the Country. The authors conclude with some recommendations that, if used, could overcome these shortcomings and help to improve EIA practice in Liberia.

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