Open AccessCOMPLIANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS BY A GOLD MINING COMPANY IN ZAKA DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE - A TRAVESTY OR TRIBUTE TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEMOCRACY AND JUSTICE
Author(s) -
Gideon Walter Mutanda,
Talent Murwendo,
Lawrence Sawunyama
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of social sciences studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2501-8590
DOI - 10.46827/ejsss.v6i5.1102
Subject(s) - democracy , cornerstone , environmental justice , political science , public administration , environmental impact assessment , transparency (behavior) , sociology , law , geography , politics , archaeology
Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Act has provisions promoting the conduct of environmental impact assessment (EIA) prior to project implementation to protect the environment and environmental rights. Using data collection methods inspired by phenomenological study, this paper discusses if EIA processes by a gold mining company had mainstreamed or marooned ‘access rights’ which are the cornerstone of environmental democracy. While the Zimbabwe’s EIA policy is applauded for covertly mainstreaming environmental democracy, research findings suggest that there exist gaps in the policy framework, policy and practice in promoting comprehensive environmental democracy. EIA processes are done to fulfil legal obligations but with little motivation to protect community interests as participation is symbolic. It is recommended to redesign EIA policy and embed broader attributes of environmental democracy such as locals’ participation in all EIA stages and inclusion of experts on community issues in the EIA review panel to promote fairness, inclusivity, transparency during EIA.
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