07/05/2026
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal and technical process used to identify, predict, and evaluate the environmental, social, economic, and health impacts of a proposed project before implementation.
Examples of projects requiring EIA include:
Mines
Roads
Dams
Power plants
Housing developments
Industrial plants
Waste disposal sites
Tourism developments
Water abstraction projects
The goal is to ensure:
environmental protection,
sustainable development,
public participation,
and regulatory compliance.
2. Legal Framework in Botswana
EIA compliance in Botswana is governed mainly by:
Environmental Assessment Act (Cap 65:07)
This Act provides:
EIA procedures,
licensing requirements,
practitioner registration,
public participation obligations,
environmental management requirements.
Environmental Assessment Regulations
These regulations provide:
project screening procedures,
report formats,
registration requirements,
fees,
practitioner categories,
compliance monitoring procedures.
3. EAPB?
The Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board is the statutory body responsible for regulating environmental assessment practitioners in Botswana.
Its mandate includes:
Registration of EIA practitioners
Certification of professionals
Enforcement of ethics and standards
Professional discipline
Continuous professional development (CPD)
Maintaining practitioner registers
Quality assurance in EIA practice
Official website:
4. EIA Compliance Process
Step 1 — Project Screening
The project is screened to determine:
whether an EIA is required,
or whether a simpler environmental assessment is sufficient.
Projects are classified according to:
risk,
size,
sensitivity of location,
potential impacts.
Step 2 — Scoping
Scoping identifies:
major environmental issues,
affected communities,
specialist studies needed,
terms of reference.
Typical issues:
water pollution,
biodiversity loss,
displacement,
noise,
air pollution,
heritage impacts.
Step 3 — Appointment of Registered Practitioner
The developer must appoint an EAPB-certified practitioner.
Categories include:
TEAP — Trainee Environmental Assessment Practitioner
EAP — Environmental Assessment Practitioner
SEAP — Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner
PEAP — Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner
5. EAPB Registration Categories
TEAP
Entry-level trainee under mentorship.
Requirements:
Environmental qualification,
mentor support,
limited/no EIA experience.
TEAPs cannot independently submit EIA reports.
EAPB
EAP
Standard certified practitioner.
Requirements include:
environmental qualification,
EIA experience,
competency evidence,
references,
application fees.
SEAP
Senior practitioner level.
Requires:
advanced experience,
project leadership,
demonstrated competency in complex EIAs.
EAPB
PEAP
Highest professional category.
Typically requires:
extensive leadership experience,
major project oversight,
mentorship contributions,
strategic environmental expertise.
6. Documents Required for EAPB Registration
Applicants generally submit:
Cover letter
Application forms
CV
Certified qualifications
Identity documents
Proof of payment
References
EIA project experience records
Mentorship records (for TEAPs)
Competency evidence
EIA Compliance Checklist
Project Level
Screening completed
Scoping approved
EIA study completed
Public consultation conducted
EMP developed
Approval obtained
Monitoring implemented
Practitioner Level
EAPB registration valid
Fees paid
CPD compliant
Ethics compliant
Certification renewed annually
16. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Potential consequences include:
project suspension,
fines,
legal action,
rejection of applications,
cancellation of practitioner registration,
reputational damage.
17. Institutions in Botswana EIA System
Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board
Department of Environmental Affairs
Local authorities
Land boards
Sector regulators
Project proponents
Certified environmental practitioners
In Botswana, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) administration and Environmental Assessment Practitioner regulation are mainly held under the environmental ministry and its agencies.
Main Ministry Responsible
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
This is the principal ministry overseeing:
environmental policy,
environmental protection,
natural resources management,
EIA legislation implementation,
environmental compliance systems.
Historically the ministry name has changed several times, including:
Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Department Directly Responsible for EIA Administration
Department of Environmental Affairs
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is the Competent Authority under the Environmental Assessment Act.
DEA handles:
project screening,
EIA approvals,
environmental authorizations,
compliance monitoring,
environmental audits,
public consultation oversight,
enforcement of EIA conditions.
DEA reviews:
Project Briefs,
Environmental Management Plans (EMPs),
Scoping Reports,
Environmental Impact Statements (EIS),
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA).
Professional Regulatory Body
Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board
The EAPB is established under the Environmental Assessment Act to regulate environmental practitioners.
It is responsible for:
practitioner registration,
certification,
ethics enforcement,
disciplinary action,
CPD compliance,
maintaining practitioner registers.
The Board also advises the Minister on environmental assessment matters.
Other Ministries Commonly Involved in EIA Compliance
Depending on the project type, additional ministries participate during EIA review and permitting.
Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs
Involved through:
local authorities,
district planning,
land use approvals,
environmental health departments.
Ministry of Health
Participates where projects affect:
public health,
sanitation,
pollution exposure,
occupational health,
hazardous waste management.
Sector Ministries That May Also Participate
Depending on the project, these ministries can become reviewing authorities:
Ministry responsible for Mines
Ministry responsible for Water
Ministry responsible for Energy
Ministry responsible for Agriculture
Ministry responsible for Transport
Ministry responsible for Lands and Housing
Examples:
Mining projects 'mining ministry + DEA
Dam projects ' water ministry + DEA
Roads ' transport ministry + DEA
Tourism developments ' tourism/environment ministry + DEA
Chain of Authority
Typical structure:
Plain text
Cabinet / Minister
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Department of Environmental Affairs (Competent Authority)
Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board (Professional Regulation)
Certified EIA Practitioners
Project Developers
Legal Authority
Under the Environmental Assessment Act:
the Minister has powers of exemption in certain cases,
DEA acts as the Competent Authority,
EAPB regulates practitioners and professional standards.
Practical Distinction
Institution
Main Role
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
National environmental policy and oversight
Department of Environmental Affairs
EIA approvals and compliance enforcement
EAPB
Registration and regulation of practitioners
Local Authorities
Local planning and environmental health input
Sector Ministries
Technical approvals for specific industries
Official Government EIA Service Portal
Botswana Government EIA Authorizations Portal
Official EAPB Portal
EAPB Botswana Official Website
CITIZEN-OWNED ENVIRONMENTAL / EIA-COMPLIANT COMPANIES (BOTSWANA)
1. Companies appearing in EAPB/EIA practitioner & consultant systems
These are firms actively involved in EIAs and registered through practitioner/company associations:
• Loci Environmental (Pty) Ltd
One of Botswana’s leading environmental consultancies
Provides ESIA, SEA, EMP, audits and monitoring
Appears in official EAPB practitioner/company records
EIS Botswana
Strong regional footprint (SADC projects)
Loci
• E.I.A. Projects (Pty) Ltd (Environment & Infrastructure Advisors)
Engineering + environmental consultancy firm
Works on EIAs, feasibility studies, infrastructure planning
C**A-registered and Botswana-based company structure shown in official filings
EIA Projects
Listed as Botswana-owned consultancy in business registry data
• Relay Veta Environmental (Pty) Ltd
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
Environmental Management Plans (EMP)
Works with mining, roads, energy, conservation sectors
Relay Veta Environmental
• Green Loop (Pty) Ltd
Licensed environmental practitioners
EIAs, EMS audits (ISO 14001), SEA services
2. Other Botswana environmental consultancy firms linked to EIA work
These appear in Botswana environmental consultant ecosystems (EIS/EIA/EAPB-linked networks):
• Digby Wells Environmental Botswana (Pty) Ltd
International consultancy with Botswana operations
Listed in EAPB practitioner/company register data
• Earthtec Consultancy (Pty) Ltd
Environmental assessment and engineering support
Appears in accredited practitioner affiliation records
• Ecosystem Solutions for Africa (Pty) Ltd
Environmental impact and ecosystem assessment consultancy
Registered in practitioner-company listings
• Centre for Applied Research (Pty) Ltd
Environmental research + policy + assessment work
Appears in accredited environmental practitioner network
3. EAPB reality check (important)
EAPB:
Does NOT register companies
Registers individual Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) only
Companies appear indirectly through practitioner affiliations
So when you see “EAPB registered companies,” what it really means is:
“Companies employing EAPB-registered professionals”
Example:
Loci Environmental (Pty) Ltd employs registered EAPs
4. Citizen ownership clarification (C**A system reality)
In Botswana:
“Citizen-owned” is determined by C**A shareholding records
Not by EIA/EAPB registration systems
So:
Many firms above are Batswana-owned (fully or majority)
But ownership classification must be verified through C**A, not environmental regulators
(Consolidated List)
Major citizen-linked EIA consultancy firms in Botswana
Loci Environmental (Pty) Ltd
E.I.A. Projects (Pty) Ltd
Relay Veta Environmental (Pty) Ltd
Green Loop (Pty) Ltd
Digby Wells Environmental Botswana (local operations)
Earthtec Consultancy (Pty) Ltd
Ecosystem Solutions for Africa (Pty) Ltd
Centre for Applied Research (Pty) Ltd
“Community Scope” means in EIA work
1. Geographic scope (who is affected)
This defines which communities fall within the project’s impact zone, such as:
Villages near mines, roads, dams, or power lines
Farming communities downstream or downwind
Urban neighborhoods near industrial zones
Example: A mine near Jwaneng would include surrounding villages in its community scope.
2. Social scope (who is considered in the study)
This includes different groups:
Residents
Traditional authorities (kgosi, kgotla systems)
Farmers and pastoralists
Informal settlers
Vulnerable groups (youth, women, elderly)
3. Impact scope (what the project affects)
EIAs assess how a project affects communities through:
Employment opportunities
Land displacement or resettlement
Water access and quality
Cultural heritage sites
Health and safety risks (dust, noise, pollution)
4. Participation scope (how communities are involved)
This is a key requirement in Botswana EIAs and includes:
Public consultations (kgotla meetings)
Stakeholder interviews
Public comment periods
Disclosure of Environmental Management Plans (EMP)
Companies doing EIAs must show “meaningful consultation”, not just formal notification.
5. Community benefit scope (positive outcomes)
Modern EIAs also evaluate:
Local employment targets
Procurement from local businesses
Community development projects (schools, clinics, water points)
CSR commitments tied to environmental approval
How this connects to EIA companies you asked about earlier
Environmental consultancies (like Loci Environmental, EIA Projects, etc.) don’t just assess ecosystems—they also define:
“Who the project affects and how those people are included in decision-making.”
So “community scope” is actually a core part of their work, not a separate registry or list.
Industrial Licensed Projects, EIA, and EAPB Requirements in Botswana
In Botswana, an industrial project may need:
an Industrial Licence, and
environmental approval through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
These are separate legal requirements handled by different authorities.
1. What Is an Industrial Licence?
An industrial licence allows a company to legally operate certain manufacturing or industrial activities in Botswana.
It is commonly required for:
factories,
manufacturing plants,
processing industries,
packaging plants,
workshops,
chemical production,
food processing,
construction material manufacturing,
waste recycling operations.
Licensing is generally handled through the relevant trade/industrial authorities and local government structures.
2. What Is an EIA?
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates:
environmental impacts,
pollution risks,
waste management,
community impacts,
water and air impacts,
mitigation measures.
The EIA process is governed under Botswana’s Environmental Assessment legislation and administered through the Department of Environmental Affairs / environmental authorities.
Official guidance:
Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board Botswana
3. Does Every Industrial Project Need an EIA?
Not always.
Projects are screened into categories:
Project Type
Likely Requirement
Small low-risk workshop
May only need EMP/basic approval
Medium manufacturing plant
Often requires EIA screening
Large industrial facility
Usually requires full EIA
Hazardous/chemical industries
Almost always full EIA
Waste handling/recycling
Usually EIA required
Mining-related processing
Full EIA commonly required
The environmental authority determines the level of assessment after screening.
4. Projects Commonly Requiring Full EIA in Botswana
Examples include:
manufacturing plants,
chemical factories,
fuel depots,
industrial estates,
abattoirs,
wastewater treatment facilities,
recycling plants,
tanneries,
brick/tile/cement manufacturing,
food and beverage processing plants,
large warehouses with hazardous materials,
mining and mineral processing,
energy generation facilities,
large-scale agricultural processing.
5. EAPB
The Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board (EAPB) regulates environmental practitioners in Botswana.
Official site:
Their role includes:
registering Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs),
maintaining professional standards,
overseeing ethical conduct,
ensuring EIAs are prepared by qualified professionals.
6. Does the Factory Owner Need EAPB Registration?
Usually no.
The project owner:
hires a registered EAP consultant,
and that consultant prepares the EIA.
The consultant must be registered with EAPB.
You can verify practitioners here:
EAP Register Search
7. Approval Sequence (Typical Process)
Step 1 — Project Concept
You define:
location,
industrial activity,
production process,
utilities,
waste generation.
Step 2 — Industrial Licence Application
Submit:
company documents,
site plans,
zoning approvals,
business information.
Step 3 — Environmental Screening
Authorities determine whether:
no EIA is required,
EMP is sufficient,
or full EIA is mandatory.
Step 4 — Hire Registered EAP
If EIA required:
engage EAPB-registered consultant.
Step 5 — Conduct EIA
This may include:
public consultation,
baseline studies,
air/water/noise studies,
waste management planning,
mitigation proposals.
Step 6 — Submission & Review
Environmental authority reviews:
EIA report,
EMP,
technical studies.
Step 7 — Environmental Authorization
Approval may:
approve project,
approve with conditions,
or reject project.
Step 8 — Final Operational Licensing
After environmental clearance:
operational permits and industrial licensing proceed.
8. Documents Normally Required
For Industrial Licensing
Commonly:
company registration,
shareholder/director documents,
site layout,
land lease/title,
zoning approval,
business plan,
fire approval,
health inspection documents.
For EIA Submission
Usually:
project brief,
scoping report,
EIA report,
Environmental Management Plan (EMP),
specialist studies,
public consultation records,
maps/site plans.
9. Important Compliance Areas
Industrial projects are commonly assessed for:
air emissions,
hazardous waste,
wastewater discharge,
noise pollution,
chemical storage,
worker health and safety,
groundwater contamination,
traffic impacts,
community impacts.
10. Risks of Operating Without EIA Approval
Possible consequences:
project suspension,
refusal of licences,
penalties/fines,
shutdown orders,
legal liability,
inability to obtain financing or insurance.
11. Practical Advice Before Starting
Before investing heavily:
Confirm zoning compatibility.
Check whether the activity is listed for EIA screening.
Engage an EAP early.
Obtain environmental guidance before construction.
Keep records of consultations and approvals.
12. Useful Botswana Resources
EAPB Botswana Official Website
Botswana Government Portal
Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (C**A) Botswana
compliance checklist,
EIA process timelines,
estimated EIA costs,
industrial licence application steps,
or a sample EIA project flow for your specific industry.
Professional Outline: Role of the Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) in EIA and EAPB Processes
1. Introduction
Brief overview of the Competition and Consumer Authority
Purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in sustainable development
Importance of coordination between regulatory bodies in environmental governance
Statement of relevance of CCA in ensuring fair competition and consumer protection in environmental-related projects
2. Mandate of the Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA)
Enforcement of competition law
Protection of consumer rights
Regulation of market conduct
Prevention of anti-competitive practices in development projects
Promotion of fair pricing and transparency
3. Role of CCA in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Processes
Review of market implications of proposed projects
Assessment of competition effects of large-scale developments
Identification of monopolistic risks in resource-based projects
Ensuring fair access to economic opportunities created by projects
Safeguarding consumer interests during project implementation
4. Interaction Between CCA and Environmental Authorities (EAPB)
Consultation during project approval stages
Provision of economic and market analysis input
Collaboration on regulatory compliance frameworks
Coordination to avoid regulatory overlap
Joint oversight of development projects with environmental and economic impact
5. Significance of CCA Involvement
Promotes balanced economic development
Prevents market distortions linked to environmental approvals
Enhances transparency in project approvals
Protects consumers from unfair exploitation
Encourages sustainable and competitive markets
6. Challenges Faced by CCA in EIA/EAPB Processes
Limited enforcement coordination with environmental bodies
Overlapping mandates between institutions
Resource and capacity constraints
Late involvement in project approval cycles
Data limitations for market impact analysis
7. Recommendations
Early integration of CCA in EIA approval processes
Strengthening inter-agency cooperation frameworks
Clear policy guidelines on competition review in environmental projects
Capacity building in environmental-economic analysis
Improved stakeholder engagement mechanisms
Current Running Projects Under EIA & EAPB (Botswana) – Professional Outline
1. Infrastructure Development Projects
These are the most common ongoing EIA assessments:
Road construction and highway upgrades
Bridge construction projects
Urban road networks and bypasses
Railway corridor developments
2. Water Supply and Sanitation Projects
Dam construction and expansion projects
Borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction schemes
Water reticulation systems in urban and rural areas
Wastewater treatment plants and sewerage upgrades
3. Energy Projects
Solar energy farms and renewable energy installations
Power transmission lines and substations
Rural electrification projects
Small-scale hydro and energy infrastructure studies
4. Mining and Industrial Projects
Mineral exploration and mining licence applications
Quarrying and sand extraction operations
Mineral processing plants
Industrial facility expansions
5. Urban Development and Housing Projects
Township expansions and land servicing projects
Commercial property developments
Industrial parks and special economic zones
Housing estate developments
6. Environmental and Conservation Projects
Wildlife management and conservation planning
Environmental baseline studies (air, water, soil)
Climate impact assessments
Biodiversity conservation projects
7. Transport and Logistics Projects
Airport upgrades and aviation infrastructure
Logistics hubs and freight terminals
Border post expansion projects
Public transport infrastructure planning
8. Tourism Development Projects
Lodge and resort construction in sensitive ecosystems
National park infrastructure upgrades
Eco-tourism developments
Cultural heritage site developments
9. Key Regulatory Bodies Involved
Environmental Assessment Act authority (competent authority under EA Act Cap 65:07)
Environmental Assessment Practitioners Board (EAPB – regulates practitioners and standards)
Environmental Information System databases (project tracking and approvals)
10. Important Note (Limitations of Public Access)
Full list of all active EIA projects is not publicly centralized
Only selected approved reports or registered practitioners/projects are published in systems like environmental databases
Projects change frequently as approvals move through screening scoping review and approval stages
Roles of Citizen-Owned Companies in EIA Process
Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Prepare Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)
Conduct public consultations with affected communities
Provide baseline environmental data collection
Support compliance monitoring during project implementation
Advise developers on mitigation measures
5. Relationship Between CCA, EIA, and Citizen-Owned Firms
The Competition and Consumer Authority ensures fair competition in consultancy and project markets
Prevents monopolisation by large foreign firms in environmental consulting
Promotes fair tendering in EIA-related services
Ensures consumer and public interest protection in development approvals
Encourages participation of citizen-owned enterprises in national projects
6. Significance of Citizen-Owned Participation
Economic empowerment of local professionals
Skills development in environmental science and engineering
Retention of revenue within Botswana economy
Improved community trust in development projects
Alignment with national citizen economic empowerment policies
7. Challenges Faced by Citizen-Owned Companies
Competition from international consulting firms
Limited access to large-scale project contracts
Capacity and funding constraints
High regulatory compliance requirements
Dependence on government and donor-funded projects
