Beyond compliance: evaluating and auditing biodiversity inclusion and mitigation practices in Ugandan environmental impact assessments

Biodiversity loss in developing countries is frequently associated with large-scale infrastructure developments, mining and agricultural practices. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) aims to avoid, reduce or otherwise mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity. However, empirical research on biodiversity inclusion in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and subsequent implementation in practice has remained limited. This paper presents evidence from Uganda, providing an evaluation of 108 EISs. This evaluation includes quality reviews of the reports and site visits to audit implementation. Results show that biodiversity inclusion in EISs overall was achieved to a moderate extent, varying widely by sector. While just over a fifth of proposed biodiversity mitigation measures were fully implemented, nearly two-thirds were either partially implemented or not implemented at all. Implementation was strongest for pollution and resource safeguarding measures and weakest for ecological restoration and invasive species control. To obtain further insight, interviews were conducted with practitioners, who cited limited budgets, a shortage of biodiversity specialists, weak enforcement and inflexible project design as key constraints. Recommendations to strengthen early biodiversity integration include improved baseline data systems, regulatory oversight and post-EIA monitoring.