A Transboundary Impact Assessment Framework for Ecological Security: Integrating EIA, SEA, and Regulatory Governance in the BCIM Economic Corridor
Description
Hypothesis: The BCIM Economic Corridor offers socio-economic benefits but poses transboundary ecological risks that existing international agreements cannot adequately manage, necessitating a bespoke governance framework. Data: Quantitative data on GDP, population, and forest loss (Global Forest Watch) were combined with qualitative analysis of ecological vulnerability patterns (Jin et al., 2021) and international legal frameworks. Findings & Interpretation: Results confirm significant projected economic benefits ($23.95 trillion GDP) alongside documented vulnerabilities, including 15.58% forest loss in Bangladesh and high-risk zones across the corridor. The data show fragmented MEAs fail to address cumulative impacts, supporting the proposed six-pillar Environmental and Social Framework to balance development with ecological security.