EIAs began to be conducted in the 1960s as a component of U.S. environmental policy. Over time, EIAs have moved from initially only assessing impacts on the natural environment, to integrating social and health impacts as well.
(Sources: Gilpin, 1995; UN, 1992; UNEP, 2002; OECC, 2000.)
1960s - EIA Begins
EIA begins as a component of U.S. environmental policy.
1960s1969 - NEPA requires EIA of all major federal projects
The U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969 requires an environmental assessment of all major federal projects and programs that could affect the quality of the human environment.
19691972 - UN Stockholm Declaration outlines 29 principles concerning the environment and development
At the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, the UN General Assembly agrees upon a Declaration containing 29 principles concerning the environment and development
19721973 - Canada introduces EIA legislation
EIA formally introduced by the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP).
19731974 - Australia introduces EIA legislation
19741975 - Germany and Thailand introduce EIA legislation
19751976 - France introduces EIA legislation
19761977 - Brazil introduces EIA legislation
19771978 - Philippines introduces EIA legislation
19781981 - Israel introduces EIA legislation
19811982 - Costa Rica introduces EIA legislation
19821983 - Pakistan introduces EIA legislation
19831984 - World Bank begins to promote EIA in its policies
The World Bank adopts its “Environmental Policy and Procedures” which stipulate the integration of environmental consideration at the initial stages of defining and preparing projects.
19841985 - EU implements the EIA Directive
The EIA Directive for European Union Member States mandates that EIAs must be conducted prior to the authorization of development projects likely to have significant environmental effects.
19851986 - Italy introduces EIA legislation
19861987 - The Netherlands introduces EIA legislation
19871987 - UNEP implements rules to introduce and promote EIA
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) adopts the Goals and Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment – 13 rules designed to facilitate the introduction and promotion of EIA systems in member countries as well as promoting the development of an international EIA procedure.
19871988 - Tunisia and Sri Lanka introduce EIA legislation
19881989 - The World Bank establishes the EIA Operation Directive (OD)
The EIA Operation Directive (OD), designed for its staff outlines methods and procedures for EIA implementation in proposed projects, as well as providing sector-specific manuals.
19891992 - Belize and Estonia introduce EIA legislation
19921992 - UN declares EIAs a "national instrument"
Principle 17 of the United Nations – Rio Declaration emphasizes the importance of EIAs as a “national instrument” to be used for all projects likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts and that are subject to the decision of national authority.
19921993 - Bosnia & Herzegovina introduces EIA legislation
19931994 - Nicaragua introduces EIA legislation
19941995 - Romania introduces EIA legislation
19951996 - Montenegro and Nepal introduce EIA legislation
19961997 - Japan introduces EIA legislation
19971999 - Ecuador and Ireland introduce EIA legislation
19992002 - UNEP highlights the need for EIA
United Nations Environmental Plan highlights the need for EIA to put more emphasis on integrating social and health impacts.
20022002 - Lebanon introduces EIA legislation
20022006 - Panama introduces EIA legislation
20062009 - Honduras
New regulation enacted by SINEIA to update and modernize the EIA system.
20092010+ - Honduras introduces its online licensing system to register and submit EIAs
2010+2010+ - International organizations carry out additional studies
Additional studies are carried out to supplement the EIA decision-making process.
2010+