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Climate change poses significant challenges to the Pacific region, characterized by its unique geography, fragile ecosystems, and vulnerable island nations. The impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, increased frequency, and intensity of extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, have far-reaching consequences for the environment, communities, and economies. In this context, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) can be a powerful tool to evaluate the potential environmental effects of development projects, ensuring sustainable and resilient practices.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process that is used to assess and mange individual development projects. It aims to maximise positive benefits and minimise negative impacts for local communities and their environment. Stakeholder engagement and local knowledge is fundamental to good EIA. When implemented correctly, EIA can help to support the achievement of green growth targets, climate change resilience and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The main purpose of this booklet is to provide a ready and simple guide for using Environmental Impact Assessment as a planning and management tool for decision making in the South Pacific Region. It is primarily for government officials who are normally too busy to look at voluminous reference manuals, and also for private developers, non-government officials and interested individuals.