Environmental Impact Assessment
Aerial view of a dam
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is used to assess the potential impact that projects and policies might have on biological diversity. This information can be used to ensure these are not just economically viable, but also environmentally sustainable.
In order to do this, information on what biodiversity might be affected by a particular project or policy is needed, as well as information on the way it might be affected.
What is the Museum doing to help?
Museum scientists are working to produce the species guides needed for environmental impact assessments in the UK and in other countries, and scientists have helped train assessment specialists in species identification skills.
The scientists have used the information on the biodiversity of other countries held in the Museum collections to help assess changes in their biodiversity.
Find out more about some of the Museum's environmental impact assessment projects.