Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) as an Effective Tool for Environmental Sustainability under Cameroonian Law: Emerging Challenges and Legal Responses

Abstract

It is worth noting that although infrastructural and developmental projects enhance economic growth of Cameroon, these projects have negative impacts on the environment and natural resources in which man greatly depend for livelihood. In this regard, to reconcile developmental exigencies and environmental protection and sustainability, there is the need for regulatory measures such as, EIA which will serve as an effective tool in that direction. Undoubtedly, the core purpose of EIA is to early integrate environmental and social considerations in the decision-making of proposed developmental projects in order to identify and mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and human health. Regrettably, in spite of it’s well known purpose, the EIA processes have documented a number of weaknesses and challenges that impede its effective implementation and enforcement. Based on this fact findings, this article is intended to analyse the legal and regulatory instruments on EIA and the extent to which it have been helpful in providing better protection of the environment and sustainable development in Cameroon. In order to attain the above objectives, doctrinal and analytical methods have been adopted. This article therefore, concludes with some robust recommendations for filling the identified gaps. It is hope that this recommendation will go a long way in enhancing the implementation of regulations in order to dwindle the gap between theory and practice concerning EIA in Cameroon.