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Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in a Transboundary Context

   

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo, 1991) - the 'Espoo (EIA) Convention'
 
Certain electricity generation and distribution projects are covered by the Convention.

The Espoo (EIA) Convention sets out the obligations of Parties to assess the environmental impact of certain activities at an early stage of planning. It also lays down the general obligation of States to notify and consult each other on all major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries (see some examples). See a "talking head" video presentation.

The Convention was adopted in 1991 and entered into force on 10 September 1997 (see which countries are Parties to the Convention).

The fourth meeting of the Parties to the Convention took place in Bucharest in May 2008.

See the new pamphlet on the benefits of transboundary EIA
 

The text of the Convention:

Authentic texts
PDF
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Other formal translations by the United Nations

PDF
 العربية (Arabic) | español

Unofficial consolidated text (including first and second amendments)

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First amendment to the Convention was adopted in 2001. Once in force (see status), it will open the Convention to accession upon approval by UN Member States that are not members of the UNECE

Second amendment to the Convention was adopted in 2004. Once in force (see status), it will

Allow, as appropriate, affected Parties to participate in scoping

Require reviews of compliance

Revise the Appendix I (list of activities)

Make other minor changes
 

Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992)

Principle 17: Environmental impact assessment, as a national instrument, shall be undertaken for proposed activities that are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment and are subject to a decision of a competent national authority.

Principle 19: States shall provide prior and timely notification and relevant information to potentially affected States on activities that may have a significant adverse transboundary environmental effect and shall consult with those States at an early stage and in good faith.