Didikina A.V. Environmental impact assessment in the “Caspian context”

Abstract: The article examines the issues of legal regulation of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the Caspian Sea. The application of this preventative mechanism becomes especially relevant in light of the growing anthropogenic impact upon this region. The article analyzes not only the corresponding international legal treaties, but also the national legislation of the littoral states on this procedure, taking into account the peculiarities of the legal status. A special attention is given to the comparative analysis of the Protocol on the Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context of the Framework Convention on Protection of the Environment of the Caspian Sea, Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context of 1991, and the Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance in a Transboundary Context of the Caspian Sea region. The author concludes that the enactment of the Protocol on the Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context would be a positive step, while at the same time the effectiveness of realization of its positions would largely depend upon the degree to which the Caspian States can harmonize their national legislation with the EIA.

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