Table 3: Assessment results of preparedness of EIA system for oil and gas in Guyana.

Criteria

Level of Preparedness Score

Level of Preparedness Indicator

Policy for the development of oil and gas sector

2

Policy exists, but it does not have clear and explicit provisions for the development of the oil and gas sector

Legislation for oil and gas sector

2

Legislation exists, but does not have clear and explicit provisions for the development of the oil and gas sector

Legislative framework for EIA -

Environmental Protection (EP) Act that addresses the oil and gas sector

1

EP Act does not have any provisions for the EIA process for oil and gas

Awareness of stakeholders of EIA process

2

Stakeholders have limited awareness of the EIA concept, the role it plays in development approval and its benefits among few stakeholders (general public, decision-making authorities, developers, etc.)

 

Human resource capacity at the EPA and institutions related directly or indirectly to the management of oil and gas sector

2

Few professionals trained at the postgraduate level in oil and gas (at the EPA and the institutions related directly or indirectly to the oil and gas sector) and with some or no experience in the oil and gas sector

 

Human resource capacity for conducting EIA studies

2

Few qualified professionals available with the technical skills and expertise to carry out the research and preparation of an ESIA report to the necessary level to inform decision making

Institutional collaboration

2

Some existing and functioning collaborative mechanisms (e.g., MOUs) between the EPA and institutions that relate directly and indirectly to the oil and gas sector

Baseline data

1

Some baseline data on the natural and social environment available, but many gaps still exist

Risk management

2

Is legally required for projects, but no clear guidelines exist

Use of quantitative tools

1

Use of analytical tools, such as mathematical models and Geographic Information Systems is practised in a few selective impact analysis studies

Stakeholder engagement

2

Is primarily the provision of information and obtaining public feedback (two-way flow) on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions

Physical resource capacity and budget of the EPA (environmental authority)

1

The EPA has very limited physical resource capacity to carry out some aspects of its EIA mandate

Total score

20