Environmental Impact Economic Studies
In many cases, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) require the inclusion of a dedicated economic specialist study to evaluate the broader socio-economic implications of a proposed project. Members of StratEcon have experience in preparing these specialist reports, which form a critical component of the overall impact assessment process.
StratEcon’s approach to economic specialist studies is grounded in international best practice, ensuring credibility, rigour and acceptance by key stakeholders. This includes alignment with the Equator Principles, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and the European Investment Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards. In the South African context, these studies are also developed in accordance with the “Guideline on Economic and Financial Assessment for EIA Applications” issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs, ensuring compliance with national regulatory requirements.
These economic specialist reports assess the financial sustainability, socio-economic impact and opportunity costs associated with proposed developments. They often involve the modelling of potential employment effects, income distribution, fiscal impacts and local economic stimulation, providing decision-makers with a robust understanding of a project’s net contribution or burden to society and the economy.
The integration of StratEcon’s economic insight into the EIA process helps clients achieve regulatory approval, manage stakeholder expectations and design more socially responsible and economically beneficial projects.
Some of our Larger Projects and Clients are:
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Batoka Gorge hydroelectric scheme on the Zambezi River, for the Zambezi River Authority.
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Capacity improvements to the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, for the Western Cape Government Department of Roads and Public Works
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Economic specialist report for the environmental impact assessment of the Mauritius Road Decongestion programme, for the Mauritius Road Development Agency.
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Expansion of the Arabella Country Estate outside Kleinmond, for Enviro-Africa.
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Scoping of transport corridors in Southern Africa to support the Mozambican Regional Gateway Project, for Environmental Resources Management.
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Feasibility analysis for Riversdale Mining of dredging the Zambezi River to allow barges to transport coal from a mine near Tete to the Mozambican coast, for Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Pty Ltd.
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Scoping study and Economic Impact Assessment of the building of Aerodrome Road in Cape Town, for Chand Environmental.
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Economics specialist report for the scoping and environmental impact assessment of the redevelopment of the Culemborg Motor City, for Chand Environmental.
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Economics specialist study for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Schalkenbosch Golf Estate near Tulbagh, for Chand Environmental.
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Scoping study of the Proposed N2 Wildcoast toll road, for CCA Environmental and SANRAL.