UkrainianProfessional Education

Abstract

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) represents a pivotal stage in the decisionmaking process for the implementation of a planned activity, particularly in instances where road construction in forests may have a detrimental impact on vulnerable forest ecosystems. The primary objective of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to guarantee that, prior to the commencement of the planned activity, not only are the scale and significance of potential environmental impacts resulting from the planned activity considered and taken into account, but also the environmental issues prevalent in the project area, as well as the interests of all stakeholders. In the article, the authors emphasise the importance of effective public involvement in the EIA process and the necessity of considering state, public and private interests in decision-making. The article emphasises the necessity of developing transparent and comprehensible criteria for a diverse range of stakeholders in order to enhance transparency and public participation in the environmental impact assessment process. In order to assess the impact of road construction on forest ecosystems, the authors propose the use of a system of indicators that reflect the impact on public health, economic efficiency, and social impacts. The assessment methodology is based on the spatial scale, duration, and gradation of impact intensity. The objective of this assessment structure is to enhance public comprehension of the findings of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) by presenting them in a section designated "Summary of non-technical information for a wide audience" in the EIA report on the proposed activity. The article emphasises the importance of public involvement and transparency in the EIA process, and proposes a methodology for assessing the impact of road construction on forest ecosystems that can be useful for decision makers and the public during public discussion of the EIA report on the planned activity. The proposed assessment criteria will assist those without special knowledge in fully understanding the indicators used

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