Reflecting on three decades of environmental impact assessment (EIA) training and research in South Africa

Since the introduction of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in South Africa, many institutions have contributed to the advancement of the field. This is especially true for the higher education sector, which has done so through EIA training and research. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the current EIA training and research at higher education institutions in South Africa. We achieve this by undertaking a systematic review of environmental-related qualifications offered at 26 higher education institutions, as well as a literature analysis of EIA research by using a well-established database. Results indicate that 20 institutions teach EIA with most qualifications at the postgraduate level within geography and environmental sciences. EIA research forms an integral part of postgraduate qualifications, especially at the top contributing institutions, with a total of 139 dissertations (n = 125) and theses (n = 14) delivered. We conclude by reflecting on the future of EIA training and research in South Africa.