|
|
Environmental Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (ESEIA)An environmental socio-economic impact assessment is the process of analysing, monitoring, and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative. Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment. The selection and use of appropriate tools involves professional judgement in order to match methodologies with project characteristics, specific features of the social, economic and biophysical environments. Our challenge is to incorporate methods that best fit the purpose, can be understood, and are acceptable to affected stakeholders. An ESEIA process usually includes the following activities: STEP 1Obtaining an understanding of the proposed intervention (type, scale, location), the communities likely to be affected, in order to determine the need and scope of the ESEIA. STEP 2Collecting baseline data on the current social environment and historical social trends using scientific and secondary research STEP 3Collecting primary data on the social variables and change processes related to the proposed intervention STEP 4Assessing and documenting the significance of social and economic impacts associated with the proposed intervention STEP 5Identifying alternatives and mitigation measures We base our approach to ESEIA studies on: DEAT (2006) Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, Integrated Environmental Management Information Series 22, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). |
|
|