跨界水资源开发中环境影响评价的国际法研究

跨界水资源的开发和使用往往会给水资源本身及相关国家的环境造成负面影响。作为规制跨界水资源使用、保护和管理的国际法分支,国际水法应当确保水资源得到公平合理的使用,避免对水资源和有关国家造成重大损害,保障水资源的可持续利用。自1960年代率先在国内法上兴起的环境影响评价制度,如今被纳入到国际法的若干分支之中。作为一项预防性的措施,环评程序有助于国际水法上实体和程序责任的实施,并对保障跨界水资源的可持续利用发挥着越来越重要的作用。然而,国际水法上的跨境环评制度尚处于起步阶段,其具体实施也主要依赖国内的相关立法和实践。

Environmental Impact Assessment in Exploitation of Transboundary Water Resources under International Law

Exploitation and use of transboundary water resources may cause negative effect on the environment of the resources and relevant states. As a section of international law regulating use, protection and management of transboundary water resources, international water law shall ensure that water resources are used equitably and reasonably, significant harm to the resources and relevant states are avoided, and sustainability of water resources is maintained. First well established under domestic law, environmental impact assessment has been incorporated into many sections of international law. As an effective procedural environmental decision-making measure, EIA plays a more and more important role in facilitating implementation of many principles and rules under international water law and in safeguarding sustainability of transboundary water resources. However, EIA obligation and procedure under international water law has not been well established, the implementation of which still relies heavily on domestic law and practice.