Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a decision tool used to ensures that the environmental implications of decisions are taken into account before the decisions are made. Its a rapidly growing field of work and has become a mandatory requirement in Palestine for certain projects especially the funded projects by World Bank, UNDPetc. This Study reviews the current system of EIA in Gaza Strip through assessing the quality of EIA guidelines and quality of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) with the help of EIS Lee-Colley Package. The study suggests several recommendations to strengthen the EIA system in Gaza Strip, Palestine and to improve the role of EIA in decision making process.

Ashraf Shehada is EIA & sustainability specialist, he obtained his master degree in environmental management & policy from UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.