Effectiveness of Environmental assessment framework and procedures [electronic resource]: the case of Jordan.

Includes references.

An evaluation of the EA framework in Jordan was carried out to examine its current status and effectiveness. The evaluation was performed through a critical review and analysis of the national EA system including; relevant regulations and institutional set up, methodology and process, selected EINSEA reports, disclosure of information, public participation, and the level of integration within national planning systems. The results revealed that environmental assessment framework is making a considerable progress in particular in aspects related to the legislations and public participation, however, a number of technical and administrative shortcomings have been identified and discussed in this paper. 'TIle evaluation concluded also that consideration in the environmental assessment process is mainly given to the mitigation measures and less attention is being given to enhancing measures and monitoring. Although significant efforts have been made towards mainstreaming environmental concerns, environmental assessment process and applications are not well integrated into the national development processes. The findings recommend to improve the relevant institutional and legal frameworks and put more efforts toward integrating this key instrument into the national development process in order to have an effective assessment system and contribute to the achieved of sound and sustainable development.

Summary in Arabic.

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