This manual was developed under the CBBIA-IAIA Project to overcome capacity constraints in promoting biodiversity-inclusive impact assessment as a mainstreaming tool and for harmonising the goals of economic growth and biodiversity conservation in South Asia.

The manual presents the latest in thinking and experience on environmental impact assessment and is distinguished from other guidance in its attention to biodiversity as a significant issue for decision-making due to its role in provision of essential ecosystem services. The manual achieves this by encouraging integration of ecological and economic valuation within the classical EIA framework in order to plan sustainable projects. Rather than suggesting 'one-size-fits-all' solutions, this manual has been consciously designed to provide 'start to end' procedures and 'how to' approaches to improving EIA practice for the benefit of biodiversity. Although the core elements of the guidance are applicable to many different sectors, the focus is largely on three key sectors in the region: oil and gas, road transportation and mining.

The manual is intended for EIA professionals and practitioners charged with the responsibility of conducting impact assessments in countries in South Asia. It is also intended to assist officials in government departments, EIA agencies and regulatory bodies involved in the review of EIA as well as decision-making who wish to seek advice on good decision-making. The manual should also serve as a valuable learning resource for academia.