An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to evaluate the environmental consequences of a proposed project or development, taking into consideration inter-related socio-economic, cultural, and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. The EIA process is an important aspect of project planning and decision-making that aims to identify, forecast, and mitigate negative environmental effects before they happen. It typically involves the following steps:

• Screening: To determine whether a project requires an EIA and the level of assessment needed.
• Scoping: To identify the key issues and impacts that should be further investigated. This includes determining the boundary and time scale of the assessment.
• Impact Analysis: To predict and evaluate the impact of a project's alternatives on the environment and society.
• Mitigation Measures: To identify ways to avoid, reduce, or compensate for adverse impacts.
• Reporting: To document the findings of the EIA in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or report, which is then reviewed by the public and relevant authorities.
• Decision-making: To decide whether the project is approved, approved with conditions, or rejected, based on the EIA report.
• Monitoring and Compliance: To ensure that mitigation measures are implemented and to monitor the environmental impacts of the project over time.

EIAs are mandatory for certain project types in many countries, with the goal of promoting sustainable development by ensuring that projects are environmentally sound and sustainable. They provide valuable information that helps stakeholders understand the environmental implications of proposed projects and make informed decisions.