Re-thinking the fundamentals of EIA through the identification of key assumptions for evaluation

Abstract

EIA is increasingly being questioned as a decision-making instrument of choice for decision makers. In addressing these concerns, the paper aims to re-think the fundamentals of EIA through the identification of key assumptions underlying EIA evaluation. This aim was achieved through the application of the theory of change (ToC) method to the South African EIA system, which resulted in the identification of 19 key underlying assumptions. Going forward we recommend the testing of these assumptions towards a better understanding of the fundamental nature and purpose of EIA as a policy implementation instrument