For any activity that would drastically alter or change the physical appearance of the Environment, it is necessary that an Environment Impact Assessment be carried out.

An EIA is a holistic study of both the positive as well as the negative consequences of any proposed development on the environment, social and economic aspects of the concerned locality.  The proponent or developer that is going to carry out work will have to engage a suitably qualified EIA Consultant who will carry out both scientific and social assessments.

Major development projects like the Nawailevu bauxite mine, gravel extraction activities and logging activities amongst others required that an EIA be conducted. Once the report is submitted to the Department of Environment, copies of the report are sent to the Provincial Council, Provincial Administrator, and Health Inspector to review and comment. A review period of 21 days is given for comments on any issues that reviewing parties have and this then submitted back to the EIA Administrator within the Department of Environment who will then decide to approve the report with conditions, recommend additional studies to be undertaken or disprove the report.