This site provides information about Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in progress in Namibia. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process is designed to help government and all stakeholders / Interested and/or Affected Parties understand the potential impacts of proposed developments (positive and negative), give stakeholders opportunities to raise concerns and provide input during several stages of the process, thereby strengthening the process to result in best decisions for Namibia’s sustainable development. Information on ESIAs, guidelines and legislation, as well as frequently asked questions, are available on this website: www.eia.meft.gov.na. Proponents of projects usually contract a company or individual(s) with the appropriate qualifications and experience to manage and run an ESIA. Depending on the size of the project and the expected impacts, one or more specialists may also be contracted, e.g. social scientist, biodiversity specialist, groundwater specialist, archaeologist, etc. These teams or individuals are referred to as Environmental Assessments Practitioners (EAPs). The first step of an EAP is to register the proposed project on the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT): Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) website: www.eia.meft.gov.na. Furthermore, the Application (i.e. Form) needs to be submitted to the Competent Authority for the specific activities being applied for.