Every development in Fiji is subject to an EIA screening process to determine whether an EIA is required or not. Whether it is the construction of a new road, building, subdivision of land, or even hull cleaning of a ship.
For the Department of Environment, the EIA Unit is the frontline guardian, tasked with ensuring that the country’s development ambitions do not come at the expense of fragile ecosystems and community well-being.
The functions and responsibility of the EIA Unit is clearly outlined in the Environment Management Act 2005, and further detailed in the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007.
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael says the sheer scale of applications handled each month underscores the centrality of the process.
“On average, we are looking at 30 to 35 applications across seven to eight offices every month,” he explained.
A rigorous screening
Dr Michael described the process as far more than a paperwork exercise.
The starting point of the EIA process is an EIA Screening, which takes 10 days.
This stage alone can involve satellite imagery checks, GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping of biodiversity hotspots, and site visits, where appropriate.
“We have to assess if there are Key Biodiversity Areas around the project site or any other environmental features that can be affected by the project
“We go through past data, reports, and any grievances from the community before issuing a determination.”
Depending on the outcome, a project might be directed to undertake a full EIA, or submit an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), or a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Each comes with its own set of requirements — from geotechnical surveys and waste management plans to traffic management assessments.
“If it’s a CEMP/EMP/OEMP, it must be developed by registered EIA consultant.
“We also have to assess the waste disposal permit requirement of the development because it is important to understand how waste will be managed from construction to its operation.
“Conditions on working hours are also prescribed to avoid disturbances to the neighbouring residents.
He said every development has its context.
Keeping proponents in the loop
One common concern from developers is whether they are kept informed about where their applications stand.
Dr Michael insists transparency is built into the system.
“Even without an online system, we call proponents and tell them their application is processed, or a determination has been issued.
“But we are going digital soon, starting in October.”
That shift will be first made through the Building Permit Approval System (BPAS), which will allow developers to track their submissions in real-time, from screening to approval.
“In that system, if the processing officer requires additional information, the developer will be notified accordingly.
“They’ll know exactly where their application across each stage of processing”
Why some applications are denied
EIA approvals are declined on many grounds.
Dr Michael said these can range from lack of information; being located too close to key biodiversity areas, which are home to endangered and protected species, unsatisfactory geotechnical assessments, to name a few.
“We can decline a EIA report if there is not enough assessment done to ascertain whether the migratory species or the native species that exist in that key biodiversity areas will not be affected by the development, so they have to take an assessment for that.
“They can also be declined if a geotech assessment is unsatisfactory to the technical review committee”.
The review process itself is multilayered.
The EIA Screening process involves a 10-day screening stage, and in this process a determination will be issued.
If a proponent is dissatisfied with the determination, he or she may appeal in writing to the PS, whose decision is final. The PS will review the decision and obtain an independent opinion, based on the ground of appeal and the nature of development.
“My mandate is to ensure that development is pursued in a sustainable manner. Therefore, if a technical expert or an engineer recommends further assessments be undertaken, I will honour these requirements in my appeal decision so that I know I have a complete set of information before I make a decision.”
The EIA processing fee is paid, and the scoping of the development proposal is conducted within 20 days, resulting in the development of a term of reference of the study outlining the required assessment and consultations to be undertaken by an EIA registered consultant.
The EIA report of the proposal is reviewed by a review committee or a EIA review consultant appointed by the EIA administrator. After reviewing the EIA report, the report can be:
- Approved the report with or without conditions;
- Recommend any additional study on the report; or
- Not approve the report.
Public participation
Crucially, EIAs are not conducted behind closed doors. Public consultation is a mandatory legislated process.
“All EIA public consultations need to be advertised on mainstream media, but we also issue reminders on radio, and social media apart from the notices being issued in print media.
“The EIA consultant and the developer must be in attendance at these meetings as communities may have questions that need to be answered.”
He added, “this ensures accountability not just to government, but also to the communities nearby”.
A robust safeguard
Dr Michael is confident that Fiji’s EIA process stands up to scrutiny.
“For me, the EIA process is very robust.
“At any point, a member of the public can raise grievances if conditions are not being met.
“Compliance checks are also done on an ad hoc basis to make sure EIA approved projects are sticking to their approval conditions.”
As development pressures mount, balancing the urgent need for infrastructure and economic growth with environmental protection is no small feat.
Dr Michael believes the framework Fiji has in place — strengthened further by digital reforms — provides both rigor and fairness.
“We have to operate within the law, within the information provided, and always with the goal of protecting the environment.”
