Eia and good governance: Issues and lessons from africa

This article examines the issue of environmental conflict resolution through the use of environmental impact assessments (EIA). The article draws parallels between the elements of good governance—information, transparency, accountability, responsibility, and participation—and their application within EIA to resolve potential or existing conflicts. The article notes that the political, economic, and social context in Eastern and Southern Africa must nonetheless be understood and assessed in successfully applying EIA. Citing examples from Eastern and Southern Africa, the article explores ways that EIA could be used more effectively in the African context, and highlights some of the current bottlenecks to more effective environmental conflict resolution, such as weak transnational mechanisms to resolve conflict, corruption, and obstacles in expanding greater stakeholder participation.