Basic Principles of the EIA Mechanism

The aim of the EIA process is to avoid and prevent adverse environmental consequences of the proposed project. If adverse environmental impacts cannot be fully avoided, measures should be considered to minimize and control the possible adverse environmental impacts to within established limits or criteria.

An EIA mechanism can apply to projects or development, in the order of priority, to:

• Avoid adverse environmental impacts
  
• Minimize adverse environmental impacts
  
• Mitigate and control adverse environmental impacts