Abstract

HERBAS BAENY, Estela; LEDEZMA PERIZZA, Mauricio  and  ANCIETA ASPETTY, Diego. Environmental Impact Assessment and Safeguards in Hydroelectric Projects in Bolivia: An Approach towards Environmental and Social Sustainability. RevActaNova. [online]. 2023, vol.11, n.2, pp.227-232.  Epub Nov 30, 2023. ISSN 1683-0789.  https://doi.org/10.35319/acta-nova.202310.

This essay addresses the evolution of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Bolivia, with particular attention to the hydroelectric sector, and its harmonization with environmental and social safeguard policies imposed by international financing institutions, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It is emphasized that the EIA procedure in Bolivia conforms to national regulations that categorize projects into four levels based on their environmental and social impact, thereby necessitating the development of Project- Specific Regulatory Instruments (PSRIs). These PSRIs encompass detailed environmental impact studies to prevention and mitigation programs and grant corresponding environmental authorizations. Additionally, the inclusion by the IDB of policies such as the Environmental and Safeguard Compliance Policy (OP- 703) in hydroelectric projects is analyzed. The essay underscores the importance of ensuring environmental and social sustainability in the planning and execution of these projects.

Keywords : Environmental Impact Assessment; hydropower projects; categorization; safeguards.

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