Evaluating the Numerical and Typological Differences Between Large-Scale and Small-Scale EIAs in Cameroon

Vanessa Bokwe Meboka, BSc

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important policy instrument used to evaluate the environmental consequences of development projects before their implementation. This research examines the representation of both large-scale and small-scale development projects within Cameroon’s EIA framework, utilizing a dataset comprising 1,848 environmental assessments conducted from 2006 to July 2025. The findings indicate distinct structural trends in the arrangement of Cameroon’s EIA system. There has been a notable increase in EIA activities over time, especially following the regulatory changes implemented in 2013. A sectoral review highlights that industrial, Transport Infrastructure, and extractive projects represent the dominant categories undergoing environmental assessment. Additionally, spatial analysis reveals a significant concentration of EIAs in the Centre and Littoral regions, which correspond to the nation’s primary economic and administrative hubs. The examination further indicates that Small scale EIAs constitute around 53% of projects while Large scale EIAs represent about 47%, indicating the widespread use of both levels of assessment. Overall, the findings suggest that the structure of Cameroon’s EIA system is strongly influenced by development patterns and project scale. The large number of small-scale projects highlights the potential importance of cumulative environmental impacts that may not be fully captured through individual project assessments. At the same time, the analysis demonstrates the importance of including reliable information on project scale and capacity within national EIA records, as such data are essential for evaluating how environmental assessments correspond to regulatory thresholds and development pressures.

Keywords

Spatial Patterns, Regulatory Threshold, Sectoral Distribution, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Governance

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 2. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: doc. Ing. Zdeněk Keken, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Pavel Matoušek, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta životního prostředí

Magisterský studijní program:
Nature Conservation