From EIA (to EHIA) to SEA: Role of the Public – from A Data Receiver and Provider to an Environmental Decision Making Partner

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Health
Impact Assessment (HIA) and Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) have been developed to be
governance tools for managing development policies/
projects that can harm environment and human wellbeing.
Those environmental assessment systems are
different and cannot be replaceable. There is a
promotion of public participation into the systems to
enhance efficiency of the systems. However, by
Thailand’s legal regulation, role of the public in the
environmental assessment procedures is implicitly
documented. This article, therefore, aimed to
contribute knowledge regarding all three environmental
assessment systems including public participation
involving in the systems. History, principles and
procedures of three systems as well as principles ofpublic participation in natural resources and
environmental management were clarified.
Subsequently, roles of the public involving in three
systems were discussed. Recommendations regarding
promotion of good understanding and appropriate
involvement of the public as a data receiver, data
provider and decision making partner under three
systems, aiming towards democracy, good governance
as well as sustainable development, were provided.