Factors that influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers

A developing country perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID21153612
AuthorsJan-Albert Wessels (0000-0001-5947-054X, North-West University, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume31
Issue3
Pages169-179
Publication date2013-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueImpact Assessment and Project Appraisal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-5517 • E-ISSN: 1471-5465
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14615517.2013.820510
OpenAlexW1983355686
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited6

Independent verification is an important aspect of practice for ensuring the credibility of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). However, the independence of verifiers such as checkers, auditors, and Environmental Control Officers, may be influenced by various factors that may lead to a conflict of interest between role-players in EIA and EIA follow-up. Identifying these factors is, therefore, important. A total of 18 factors were identified by analysing literature from established verification professions and data derived within the South African context by means of interviews and workshops dedicated to clarifying independence of verifiers. The factors were divided into five categories: financial; commercial; professional; personal; and other. By shedding light on factors that influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers, this research aids in anticipating and avoiding potential conflicts of interest

Developing country · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Statistics · Computer Science · Environmental and Social Impact Assessments · Mathematics · Public Procurement and Policy · Regulation and Compliance Studies · Artificial Intelligence

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