Regulation on environmental impact assessments.

This Regulation regulates the procedure for conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA), which aim to protect ecosystems and separate elements of environment, human environment, landscape and cultural heritage in the decision-making process for planned activities. The purpose of the Regulation shall be to: (a) establish the rules for conducting EIA based on the study of any planned activity; (b) provide legal protection of the environment and of humans, landscape and cultural heritage; and (c) assist in protecting society's ecological, economical and social interests while planning industrial or other types of activities. Its objectives are to: (a) identify principles and methods for studying direct and indirect impacts of planned activity on human health and safety, on plants and animals, soil, air, water, climate, landscape, ecosystems and historical heritage; (b) identify the rational and sustainable use of natural resources and optimal project options from an environmental point of view; (c) provide the right of citizens, defined by the Constitution of Georgia, to receive full, objective and timely information on the status of their working and living environment and provide a legal basis for public participation in important decision-making by the state in order to foster democratic development in the country; and (d) consider the interests of investors, the state and society when making important decisions related to the implementation of planned activities.