Evaluation of the Environmental Impact Assessment System in Bahrain

Humood A. Naser

Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2012.32029                

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was formally adopted as a measure to protect the environment in Bahrain in 1998. A decade after its implementation, this paper evaluates the current EIA system in Bahrain using a set of criteria. The evaluation was based on review of literature, investigation of legislative and administrative framework and interviews with EIA practitioners. Several measures are required to further strengthen the EIA system in Bahrain including amending EIA laws to include whole aspects of EIA process, developing comprehensive guidelines on procedural EIA, increasing public participation, improving capacity building and integrating environmental concerns to higher-level policy making through existing national environmental strategies. Findings of this study could contribute to wider international experience of EIA performance in developing countries.

Keywords

Environmental Impact Assessment; Bahrain; Arabian Gulf

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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