A comparative study of the EIA and REIA systems at the Mainland of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

This paper compares the EIA and REIA systems at the Mainland of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Survey showed that Mainland established its legislative basis of EIA rather early in 1979, with elaborate technical guidelines for EIA stipulated in several regulations up to now. Comparatively, the EIA system of Hong Kong was more elastic; but its legislation was established in 1997, although the government had utlized administrative means to implemente EIA early in eighties. As to the EIA content, due to its strong background in common law system, the projects for EIA are classified very carefully and the 'Environmental Permit' is awarded to ensure the implementation of EIA. Taiwan implemented since 1995 concrate EIA law, asking EIA worker to hold examining or hearing meeting on EIA report with repeated scientific and social proofs. As to the public participation, the channel in Hong Kong is very effective by combining home and foreign experience. However, EIA in these three areas aimed at construction projects mainly with less at strategic EIA; and studies on total amount prediction, control, compensation and monitoring should be enlarged and applied for long-range development. Thus, in the future highest layer direction, public advice and process inspection on REIA and SEA based on the principle of sustainable development is very necessary.