ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on environmental impact assessment (EIA) as one specific regulatory technique used by states to foster the implementation of substantive environmental standards adopted in various treaties. It includes United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) 1987 non-binding Goals and Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment as well as the 1991 Espoo Convention, a regional instrument adopted in the context of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) which is the only major multilateral agreement on environmental impact assessment. The chapter provides a framework for collaboration among states concerning proposed projects likely to pose significant adverse transboundary environmental impacts and imposes certain procedural requirements on the party proposing to undertake certain new activities. It moves on to highlight existing rights-based instruments in environmental law and relevant human rights provisions. The chapter includes the 1998 Arhus Convention which is the only environmental law treaty providing specific procedural environmental rights.
