ID: 1548
Presenting Author: Mulumba Agaba
Session: 653 - Biodiversity Impact Assessment: Information Disclosure, Risk Identification, and Legal Regulation
Status: pending
Ugandan evidence shows that closing biodiversity disclosure gaps can shift EIA from procedural formality to a real driver of ecological integrity.
This paper draws on a review of 108 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to assess how biodiversity information is disclosed and used in project design. Using a Biodiversity Inclusion Index developed for the study, findings reveal that biodiversity is frequently presented as background text, with limited influence on alternatives analysis and project justification. Although the 2019 National Environment Act strengthened procedural requirements, its impact on biodiversity outcomes remains constrained by weak institutional capacity and low analytical rigour. The study argues that improving the quality and transparency of biodiversity data in EIAs is essential for better environmental governance. It recommends clearer reporting guidelines, strengthened review systems and enhanced capacity for ecological interpretation. Together, these reforms could raise the bar for how biodiversity information supports planning decisions and ensure that the EIA process becomes a true instrument for ecological integrity rather than compliance.
A sustainability professional bridging biodiversity, policy and finance. Leads ecosystem services work and research on biodiversity inclusion in Environmental Impact Assessment.
Coauthor 1: Thomas Fischer