Resolving Matters through Early Dialogues

To improve the EIA process, project proponents are encouraged to have dialogues with Environmental Protection Department, relevant authorities and stakeholders at the early planning stage to exchange views on preparation of EIA reports.

Proponents can make use of the Environment Study Management Group(ESMG) as early as possible even before the formal EIA process begins.

In a very broad term, an ESMG is a liaison forum that brings proponent, consultants, and relevant government authorities together upon a project proponent's request.

Who attends an ESMG?

• Proponent for the EIA
• Principal Environmental Protection Officer or above of Environmental Protection Department as chairperson
• Relevant Government authorities
• Relevant specialists/Consultants

What are commonly discussed at the ESMG?

• EIA study brief
  
• Relevant provisions of the Technical Memorandum
  
• Assumptions, methodology, models, baseline collection in EIA
  
• EIA Report findings, recommendations and Implementation
  
• Schedule of Mitigation Measures
  
• Specific topics raised by ESMG members

For more details, please click here for the EIAO Guidance Note No.2/2002 about the role and operation of ESMG.