A comparative evaluation of the EIA systems in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia

This article reviews and compares the performance of environmental impact assessment (EIA) systems in three jurisdictions in the Middle East and North Africa region: Egypt, Turkey (Middle East) and Tunisia (North Africa). The EIA systems of these three jurisdictions are at a similar stage of development, with those of Turkey and Tunisia being the first to be introduced. EIA ‘systemic measure’ and ‘foundation measure’ criteria are used to evaluate the performance of each of the systems and to compare them. These criteria are partially based on evaluation and quality control criteria derived from a number of literature sources. The paper identifies similarities and differences in the performance of the three EIA systems and in the attempts undertaken by each of the three jurisdictions to strengthen their respective EIA systems. Recommended measures to increase the effectiveness of each of the EIA systems are also identified.