ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT JULY 2017 OPENING SPEECH VICE CHANCELLOR - UNIVERSITY OF ELDORET

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1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT JULY 2017 OPENING SPEECH BY VICE CHANCELLOR - UNIVERSITY OF ELDORET Ladies and Gentlemen The university through the School of Environmental studies organizes the training of EIA/EA twice every year for students and non - students. This is very commendable and I wish to thank the dean and staff for this training that recognizes the role of environmental management and protection for sustainable development. I know that this year we have diverse participants from the region and Kenya at large. To the school, what you are have purposed to undertake and is a huge task that has put the University in the limelight in the conservation of the environment and the attainment of vision I also recognize all our partners in EIA/EA training which include NEMA staff, county staff and all other participating partners. Accept my sincere appreciation and feel at home in University of Eldoret. On behalf of the University, I want to specifically thank the Dean Prof. Vincent Sudoi, the Coordinator Dr. Christopher Saina and their dedicated

2 team for organizing one of the best trainings of EIA/EA in the region. I also thank all the dedicated team of trainers. Dear participants, Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit process should be applied as early as possible in decision-making throughout life cycle of all development proposals and projects that may cause potentially significant effects as well as to biophysical impacts and relevant socio-economic factors including health, culture, gender, lifestyle, age and cumulative effects consistent with the concept and principals of sustainable development. This process must be subjected to projects and development activities to provide for the involvement and input of communities and industries affected by the proposed projects. All these need to be done in accordance with internally agreed measures and standards. This will minimize impacts and increase the benefits accruing from the implementation of such projects to the community. I need to emphasize that Environmental Impact Assessment/Audit process should provide for the screening, scoping, examination of alternatives and then impact analysis before mitigation and impact management can be done. The significance of the proposal is evaluated followed by preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 2

3 The EIS reviewed before a decision is made on whether the project should be implemented or not. A follow up is made to ensure that the terms and conditions of approval are adhered. These should be the operating principles of EIA.This course is important and is the right one to equip you with necessary knowledge and skills, given the fact that the facilitators are qualified and experienced. A new concept that should be a challenge for trainers is the need to emphasize cultural impacts through making a cultural impact assessment. We at University of Eldoret recognize the link between the environment and cultural diversity. I am glad that the School is addressing these issues as its own mandate and goals. Well, the more we lose diversity, culture and the natural world, the higher the possibility of instability and disasters. Indigenous knowledge is an essential remedial input into environmental conservation. Local people have for millennia developed strategies and methods for survival in harsh, low rainfall areas without sacrificing the fertility and stability of natural resources. 3

4 Ladies and Gentlemen Environmental sustainability addresses not only the issue of change to biophysical environment, but how these changes affect social, economic, cultural and political sustainability. The interrelationship of the elements of sustainable development should be acknowledged within project cycles, and inform all stages of development planning from conceptualization and appraisal to monitoring and completion. Changes in the physical or social environment, from the operation of a mine to changes in tax laws, can affect efforts of poverty reduction and sustainable economic development, the provision of basic human needs, good governance and institutional strengthening. As part of good development planning, EIA should be used to anticipate impacts, prevent adverse effects and maximize environmental benefits. This is my challenge to you as stakeholders in environmental management. The importance of EIA Ladies and Gentlemen cannot be over emphasized. Legal policies in their application make use of certain instruments to achieve their objectives. 4

5 Please note that EIA and EA are two such instruments as is stipulated under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of There s need for the coordinators and trainers to make themselves abreast of any changes that are being made to the act to accommodate the county system of government so as to ensure relevant training of the participants. In conclusion, I need to emphasize that environmental conservation is fundamental to the progress of any civilization. The role of EIA/EA as effective tools will remain for a long time to come as vital and invaluable. I wish all the participants an enjoyable stay and travel across the country, and I hereby declare the July 2017 EIA/EA training course officially opened. 5