What is the primary purpose of scoping in the EIA process?

• A. The EIA study extent and key issues to address.
• B. To draft the project timeline.
• C. To set the budget for mitigation.
• D. To select the site.

Answer: (A)

Scoping in the EIA process defines how far the assessment will look and which issues will be examined. It sets the boundaries of the study area, the level of detail required, and the information needed to understand potential impacts. By identifying the key issues early, scoping focuses data collection and analysis on what really matters for decision-making and helps shape the Terms of Reference for the EIA. This prevents spending time on unlikely effects and ensures the assessment covers the significant environmental and social concerns and the viable alternatives. It’s not about drafting the project timeline, budgeting for mitigation, or site selection, which are addressed in other stages of planning and approval.