Bio-Physical Environmental Impact Assessment
Introduction
Biophysical Impact Assessment (BIA) is the assessment or evaluation of the impact of a proposed project on identified environmentally significant areas, natural parks and natural areas. Biophysical impact assessment is usually required for projects that have the potential to incur negative impacts on identified environmentally significant areas, natural environmental parks and natural parks. It also provides mechanisms for those conducting Environmental Impact Assessment on the Biophysical Environment such as proponents of a project, competent agencies and other stakeholders for determining the potential significant impacts of a project. This course is developed to provide advice and consistent stepwise guidance on the Biophysical EIA process for the identification, prediction, evaluation and mitigation of all potential significant environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of a proposed project development as well as information to assist project proponents and other relevant stakeholders on the appropriate mechanisms for conducting Biophysical Environmental Impact Assessment. Biophysical Environmental assessments assess both the biological and physical elements of a proposed development to identify and reduce any potential impacts to the environment. To complete Biophysical Environmental Assessments, Environmental biologists look at a specific set of environmental components including soil, vegetation, wildlife, hydrology and biodiversity for that specific project and development area.
Learning Objectives:
- Prevent the deterioration of the environment’s quality and maintain the biodiversity, connectivity, productivity, and sustainability of ecosystems;
- Ensure respect for the sensitivity of the physical, biological, and human components of the receiving environment;
- Protect the life, health, safety, well-being, and comfort of humans;
- Promote and support the population’s participation in the assessment of projects influencing their living environment.