CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT :
Cumulative impacts are the additive environmental impacts of a persistent causal agent over time. The term Cumulative Impact Assessment refers to accumulation of human induced changes in valued environmental components including human beings, fauna and flora; soil, water, air, climate and the landscape; the interaction of these factors; and on material assets, and the cultural heritage across space and over time. It reveals the identification, description and assessment of the direct and indirect long-term combined effects of a project (Judith Petts, 1999).
Environmental Assessment is a method used to identify the main impacts a project or activity may have on the environment. The negative and positive consequences of development projects are assessed to provide decision-makers with a holistic and informed opinion based on sound and objective research and analysis. Through an extensive process of consultation with stakeholders and experts, the Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA) located at Namibia has developed an Environmental Assessment Policy, which conforms with local and international standards. The same collaborators along with DEA have also developed Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Irrigated Agriculture and for Water Infrastructure.
Environmental assessments -
- are necessary to guide development, both at the strategic level and at the project level;
- can serve as early warning systems;
- help to identify alternative approaches;
- identify cross-sectoral impacts and enable managers to view project proposals in a local, regional and global perspective; and
- involve dialogue and interaction between various ministries, NGOs, local authorities, municipalities and the private sector.
