GOAL, PURPOSE:

The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA)  is a process for predicting and assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposed project, evaluating alternatives and designing appropriate mitigation, management and monitoring measures. ESIA requires international requirements and criteria set by banks and financial institutions.

If the EIA process is successful, it identifies feasible options and mitigation measures to reduce the environmental impact of a proposed project.

STAGES OF ESIA PROCESS:

ESIA shall address the following issues. These include:

1. accurately determine the zone of possible impacs  onn the regional infrastructure, such as road, transportation, telecommunications, energy and water supply;
2. identify any possible impacts on the demographic structure, cultural and educational levels, and expectations from local communities;
3. Identify any changes in land use  and how it will affect the livelihoods of local people

Prior to the implementation of the project, a decision shall be made on whether to conduct ESIA. These include:

1. Resettlement
2. Possibility to switch project facilities for use for civilian purposes later;
3. Whether a proposed project will lead to centralization,
4. Whether it is possible to reduce the potential negative impacts of a proposed project

ESIA shall be conducted in accordance of Mongolian legislation and international methodologies. These include:

1. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of environmental and socio-economic conditions;
2. Develop survey data based on local feedback
3. Analyze the views of affected people and local authorities;
4. Study potential economic and social changes that may occur as a result of the project
5. Assess the causes and consequences of potential adverse impacts from project activities;
6. Identify and evaluate adaptation requirements;
7. Recommend feasible alternatives to mitigate socio-economic impacts.