Session Description
Over the past several decades, impact assessment (IA) has evolved from a largely biophysical exercise into a broader sustainability tool that seeks to address the environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of resource development. Advances in policy, methods, and assessment theory have improved our ability to understand cumulative impacts through ecological assessment, regional-scale analysis, improved spatial and temporal scoping, and modeling approaches. Yet, an important question remains: to what extent have these advances translated into more inclusive, equitable, and effective assessment practice?
Furthermore, years of IA practices have taught us several important lessons. First, meaningful participation cannot be achieved solely through regulatory requirements. Second, technical sophistication does not automatically result in socially legitimate outcomes. Third, effective cumulative effects assessment requires balanced consideration of ecological integrity, community wellbeing, cultural values, and diverse knowledge systems. Despite growing recognition of these principles, they are often overlooked or insufficiently reflected in practice.
The session examines the evolution of IA policy and practice in resource development, identifying successes, gaps, and overlooked lessons and comes out with practical solutions to address environmental and social challenges in today’s rapidly changing science policy landscape.
The session brings together researchers, regulators, Indigenous community leaders, practitioners, and industry representatives to discuss how past successes and shortcomings can inform the next generation of IA.
Session Summary
Join us in a panel discussion to examine the evolution of IA policy and practice in resource development, identifying successes, gaps, and overlooked lessons and come out with practical solutions to address environmental and social challenges in today’s rapidly changing science policy landscape.
Additional Information
N/A
Session Chair
Akua Nyamekye Darko
Natural Resources Canada
Canada
Session Co-chair
John Boakye-Danquah
School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Canada