Speaking at the MEED Middle East Coastal Projects 2008 conference in Dubai today, Amanda Roberston, Manager of Environment Function at Hyder highlighted that the environment is often a lower priority when there are questions over the performance of the real estate sector. She went on to emphasise the relevance and benefits of proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) as part of securing the region’s infrastructure expansion which will help long-term economic development.
Environmental impact assessment provides a valid and impartial tool to measure the consequences of infrastructure projects and design appropriate environmental management plans.
Robertson added that the ongoing infrastructure development in the Middle East calls for a closer look at the environment and sustainability objectives of the region. "Whilst we have seen massive expansion of built-up area, large scale reclamation, artificial islands, canals, green belts and skyscrapers vying to go beyond the kilometre mark, looking to the long-term future, it is important to put in place proper environmental foundations so as to guarantee the success of developments and countries as a whole for decades to come."
Hyder uses various metrics including international conventions and standards, global practices and local laws to assess projects at different stages from strategic planning, master planning, concept design, detailed design, construction and operation to environmental remediation.
Though decision-makers and developers in the region are increasingly aware of the importance of EIA there are still challenges like lack of uniform policies, unavailability of reliable data and in some cases lack of compliance monitoring after the assessment, Robertson said.
"EIA also helps to estimate the costs and benefits of environmental integration and facilitates top level decision-making as well as public participation in development. Systematic and scientific analysis of how the projects and developments will influence living conditions in the region is inevitable to strike a balance between development and sustainability," concluded Robertson.