Why use SAIEA?

Because SAIEA is an independent organisation, it is not influenced by governments, developers, pressure groups or anyone else who may want to promote a specific agenda. SAIEA has access to a large number of professionals from within the region, who provide expertise in a wide range of fields and disciplines. SAIEA puts together the right team for the job, and ensures the highest professional standards. 8 reasons for using SAIEA's independent review service:

1. It improves the EA process and report, since consultants do a better job when they know that their work will be peer reviewed
2. Governments and local authorities need not increase the size (and cost) of their own in-house team of experts
3. It is flexible and cost-effective, since only the experts needed for the job are hired, and then only for the time they are needed
4. It is independent, which reduces opportunities for corruption and influence
5. Local expertise is used, rather than foreign consultants who are often unfamiliar with local conditions
6. Local capacity is improved, since reviewers increase their knowledge and expertise, which enhances the service they provide to future clients
7. SAIEA's services are tailor-made to suit your specific needs
8. SAIEA sets high professional standards and applies rigorous quality control.

In addition to reviewing EA reports, SAIEA undertakes research aimed at improving the use and effectiveness of EA in promoting sustainable development. Current areas of interest include:

• EA and small-scale mining
• EA and sustainable tourism
• The role of EA in promoting public participation in development planning
• Transboundary impacts and regional development.

effective and efficient use of Environmental Assessment as a planning tool.