Moment 01
Commencement of works or activities
When it applies
Before starting any project covered by Decree 1.257 — without exception.
The ESIA is a pre-operational condition for legality, not a formality that can be remedied after the fact.
Starting without approval equals operating outside Venezuela's environmental framework.
Moment 02 — Most relevant today
Reactivation of suspended projects
When it applies
When resuming operations at wells, refineries, processing plants, or power generation facilities that ceased operating.
The physical, social, and regulatory environment has changed — original permits may have lapsed.
A new ESIA or update of the existing one is required before reactivating.
Reactivating without compliance exposes the project and its officers personally.