## 3 Literature Review
### History of EIA: Emergence, Evolution, Implementation  
EIA emerged as a response to the increasing environmental degradation resulting from urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture, which has led to resource depletion and degraded quality of life. These effects are being recognized worldwide, and, as a result, more than 190 countries have adopted the EIA system to date. The concept of EIA emerged in 1969 with the emergence of the environmental movement in the United States. From a legislative perspective, the principles of EIA were established in 1969 in the United States with the adoption passage of the \"National Environmental Policy Act\", an act required for the development of an emerging environmental impact statement [47; 48; 49]. Although the concept led to numerous debates about its role in the implementation process, it is seen as a means to evaluate actions, policies, plans, and programs that contribute to the achievement of objectives and serve as a link between the environment and sustainable development [50]. EIA can thus be regarded as one of the most effective environmental planning and management tools for this purpose, as it is considered an intrinsically complex multidimensional process [36; 51; 52]. As a result, this tool can be used to identify and screen out potentially environmentally damaging projects that induce negative impacts, engage communities to identify feasible alternatives, and assess the magnitude and potential biophysical changes as a result of an activity or policy [36]. It also helps convey this information to decision-makers, with the adoption and implementation of this process depending on the institutional framework and political context of each country [53]. The first countries (as presented in Table 1) that have implemented this environmental assessment tool in their legislation are examples to other nations to include this type of assessment process in their legislation and for the official procedures to plan any environmental decision-making [54]. It is unanimously recognized that an important factor for environmental reforms has been the process of harmonization of legislation with European Union (EU) requirements for the countries that are part of the EU. The EIA process in developing countries is characterized by a dual dynamic, with progress in the implementation of legislative frameworks, but significant challenges also remain [55]. Shortcomings such as limited institutional capacity, systemic corruption, and ineffective enforcement continue to undermine the effectiveness of the EIA. However, there are opportunities for improvement by strengthening institutional capacity, integrating advanced technologies, promoting public participation, and enhancing international cooperation [51; 55; 56]. By addressing these challenges, developing countries can help strengthen EIA systems and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. According to several authors, a positive relationship exists between economic development and environmental performance, which is complex and influenced by a number of factors. While there is evidence in favor of a positive relationship, it is important to consider counterarguments. Sustainable economic development requires a balance among economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity [57]. There is a significant correlation between the completeness of an EIA procedure and a nation's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita [58]. A study examines EIA implementation in China, highlighting the country's efforts to balance rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability [59]. While EIAs have improved environmental outcomes, their economic impacts vary by region, with wealthier provinces better able to absorb the costs of compliance. The economic effects of EIA implementation are context-dependent, with developed countries generally realizing long-term benefits such as cost savings, job creation, and increased investor confidence.