Critical Review of EIA Implementation Framework and Operational Procedures in China : A Case Study of Panyu District Public Conflict

Abstract: The shifting tendency of environmental conflict of some specific projects from post-conflict to pre-conflict is taking place in China. The main reason is that the public raises awareness of environmental consequences and makes more transparence information exchanged among stakeholders. Therefore the authorities have to face the new challenges and figure out new solutions to handle the changing circumstances. One of the recent conflicts regarding Panyu’s incineration project is selected as a typical example analyzed in this report. This case indicates three main argued focal points at environmental perspective of project implementation which are currently unsatisfied in China’s society: 1. Failure of EIA making & approving system; 2. Inadequate public participation on the decision-making process; 3. Imbalance in stakeholders’ pattern of the project implementation process. This thesis have explored China’s EIA reports’ making, examining and approving system through investigation on its administrative, legislative and operational framework. The work was carried out during my internship in Safety Center of Henan Science Academy of Environmental Protection. The investigation also includes several interviews with different stakeholders of Panyu’s case. Based on the theoretical and empirical research, the thesis pointed out the root of defects of the existing EIA system in China is: 1. Public’s opinions can’t be truly reflected on the EIA report in the EIA making process; 2. Other stakeholders’ interests seriously affected the justice of EIA examination and approval process. The recommended approaches for improving the system include: 1. Strength public participation process to allow as much affected neighbors to realize the project and reflect their perception to decision-makers as possible; 2. Improve current EIA examination and approval procedures in order to weak the linkage between government and business sector. 3. Enhance the cooperation between environmental authority and other administrative board.