Which phase of the EIA is primarily concerned with defining the scope and key issues?

• A. Planning and Scoping
• B. Impact assessment and analysis
• C. Monitoring and follow-up
• D. EMP development

Answer: (A)

Planning and scoping is the phase that defines the scope and key issues. In this stage you determine what will be studied, where the study area lies, which environmental receptors and potential impacts matter most, what data are needed, and the level of detail required. It also often includes early stakeholder input to surface concerns and prioritize issues. This setup shapes the entire EIA, ensuring the assessment focuses on the significant concerns rather than getting lost in less important details. The other phases serve different purposes: evaluating and analyzing potential impacts comes next, then monitoring and follow-up check results, and finally developing the environmental management plan and mitigation measures.