Session Description
After decades of policy development and international practice, are we delivering the outcomes that resettlement was intended to achieve? What have we learned from both successful and challenging experiences? Which longstanding challenges continue to limit sustainable livelihood restoration and equitable outcomes? As impact assessment looks to the future while learning from the past, what lessons should shape the next generation of resettlement policy and practice?
In the spirit of IAIA27's theme, Ka mua, ka muri: Looking back for the future of impact assessment, this session invites participants to reflect on the lessons learned from resettlement and livelihood restoration. We welcome papers that critically examine what has worked, what has proven difficult to implement, and what innovations or adaptations have improved outcomes for project-affected people.
The session welcomes contributions from a wide range of sectors and contexts, including infrastructure, energy, mining, urban development, conservation, and climate-related displacement. Topics may include compensation, livelihood restoration, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous Peoples, vulnerable groups, benefit sharing, monitoring and evaluation, adaptive management, governance, post-resettlement outcomes, and emerging challenges. Papers presenting successful practices, implementation challenges, unexpected outcomes, and lessons learned are equally encouraged. By bringing together diverse experiences from around the world, the session aims to identify practical insights that can strengthen future resettlement and livelihood restoration practice.
Session Summary
This session explores lessons from decades of resettlement and livelihood restoration practice. It welcomes papers on successful approaches, implementation challenges, and emerging solutions. Together, participants will identify insights to strengthen future resettlement practice and outcomes for project-affected people.
Session Chair
Irge Satiroglu
Independent Social Safeguards and Resettlement Consultant
Spain