The Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG) was adopted for the first time in 1990 and most recently amended in 2024. This law ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into the decision-making process, promoting sustainable development and protecting natural and cultural heritage.
The main purpose of the UVPG is to provide a systematic process for assessing the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. This includes not only direct effects on the natural environment but also indirect effects on human health, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and socio-economic conditions. By requiring thorough environmental assessments, the UVPG aims to prevent or mitigate adverse effects on the environment and ensure that development projects are sustainable and responsible.
A key feature of the UVPG is its requirement for public participation in the environmental assessment process. The law mandates that the public be informed and given an opportunity to express their views on the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. This participatory approach ensures transparency and accountability, allowing stakeholders to contribute to the decision-making process and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.
The UVPG also establishes clear criteria and procedures for conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs). These include screening processes to determine whether an EIA is necessary, scoping to identify the key issues to be addressed, and detailed assessments to evaluate the potential impacts. The results of these assessments must be documented in an environmental impact report, which serves as a basis for decision-making by the relevant authorities.
Another significant aspect of the UVPG is its emphasis on the protection of cultural heritage. The law recognizes that cultural heritage sites are valuable resources that contribute to a region’s identity and historical continuity. Consequently, any potential impacts on cultural heritage must be carefully evaluated, and appropriate measures must be taken to avoid or mitigate damage. This ensures that development projects do not compromise the preservation of cultural heritage sites and that these sites can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
The UVPG mandates that potential environmental impacts on cultural heritage are identified and addressed early in the planning process. By integrating environmental considerations into project planning and decision-making, the UVPG helps protect cultural and natural heritage from the adverse effects of development. This contributes to the sustainable management of heritage sites, preserving their value and significance for future generations.
