Palestinian Territories

In Palestine, the ESIA and SEA systems were simultaneously established with the enactment of the Palestinian Environmental Assessment Policy in 2000. The policy provides information on environmental assessment in general and thus accounts for projects, plans and programmes. However, while specific ESIA procedures are given, the policy does not specify the steps for SEA. The ESIA procedures distinguish two forms of ESIA: 1. An Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) is conducted for projects where significant environmental impacts are uncertain, or where compliance with environmental regulation must be ensured. 2. A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for projects which are likely to have significant environmental impacts. An EIA may be carried out as a result of an IEE.
The Environmental Quality Authority is the central EA authority that takes decisions throughout the EA process, issues the environmental approval at the basis of the EA report and conducts monitoring acitivities.