In Nepal, an environmental assessment is a legally mandated process for a wide range of development projects to ensure they are carried out in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The legal framework is primarily governed by the Environment Protection Act, 2019 (EPA 2076) and the Environment Protection Rules, 2020 (EPR 2077).

There are three main types of environmental assessments in Nepal, each required for different scales of projects:

1. Brief Environmental Study (BES): This is the most basic level of assessment, required for smaller-scale projects. It involves a quick evaluation of potential environmental impacts and the identification of simple mitigation measures.

2. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE): This is a more detailed assessment than a BES. It is required for projects with a greater potential for environmental impact. An IEE evaluates the project's effects on the environment and determines whether a full-scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): This is the most comprehensive assessment, mandatory for large-scale, complex projects that are likely to have significant environmental and social impacts. An EIA involves extensive data collection, public consultation, and the development of a detailed environmental management plan (EMP) to mitigate adverse effects.

Key Aspects of Environmental Assessment Services in Nepal

Environmental assessment services in Nepal are provided by various consulting firms that specialize in this field.⁶ These firms work with project proponents (e.g., government agencies, private companies) to navigate the legal and procedural requirements. Their services typically include:

• Environmental and Social Impact Studies: Conducting studies for BES, IEE, and EIA reports, which include field visits, data collection on baseline environmental conditions (physical, biological, and socio-economic), and analysis of potential impacts.

• Preparation of Reports: Drafting comprehensive reports that meet the requirements of the government authorities, including the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) or other relevant ministries.

• Terms of Reference (ToR) and Scoping: Helping proponents define the scope of their assessment, including the key issues to be studied and the methodology to be used^.

• Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating public hearings and consultations with local communities and stakeholders as required by law.¹⁰ This is a crucial step to ensure transparency and gather public input.

• Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Developing a plan that outlines the specific measures to be taken to prevent, minimize, and manage the adverse environmental impacts identified in the assessment.

• Compliance and Monitoring: Providing services to ensure the project adheres to national and international environmental standards and to monitor the implementation of the EMP during and after the project's construction.

• Specialized Studies: Many firms also offer specialized services such as social impact assessments (SIA), resettlement action plans (RAP), biodiversity action plans (BAP), and climate change-related studies.

   

Our company  have multidisciplinary teams with expertise in various fields such as environmental science, engineering, social science, and law to handle the complexity of environmental assessments.