What does a feasible mitigation measure aim to achieve when attached to the approval of an activity?

A feasible mitigation measure is designed to substantially reduce any adverse impacts that may arise from an activity. The focus is on taking practical actions that can lessen negative environmental effects while still allowing the activity to proceed. This approach recognizes that while it may not be possible to eliminate all impacts entirely, effective measures can be implemented to significantly decrease their severity or the risk associated with them.

This aligns with the principles of sustainable development, emphasizing a balanced approach where potential benefits are gained while mitigating harm. For instance, if an agricultural project may lead to soil erosion, a feasible mitigation measure could involve implementing cover crops or buffer zones to reduce erosion levels rather than completely preventing any soil disturbance, which might not be viable. The goal is to find a practical path that maintains the activity while addressing its environmental impacts as effectively as possible.

In contrast, aiming for complete elimination of adverse impacts is often unrealistic and not practical in many circumstances. Minimizing economic costs may not directly correlate with the efficacy of addressing environmental impacts. Immediate enforcement of regulations focuses on compliance rather than on implementing improvements to reduce impacts. Hence, substantial reduction strikes the right balance between effectiveness and feasibility, making it the correct choice.