Session Description
Development projects generate interconnected environmental, social, cultural, economic, and health effects that are often difficult to assess through conventional sector-based approaches. This session explores how systems-based frameworks help to understand these connections and support more integrated, informed, and equitable decision-making.
While environmental protection is often supported by regulatory frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and established standards, fewer equivalent approaches exist to safeguard human health, community wellbeing and intergenerational wellbeing. Meanwhile developers and governments seek more efficient and predictable decision-making processes. Reconciling these objectives will require trust, dialogue and respect to move beyond traditionally siloed approaches toward relational ones that recognize the interconnected nature of people, place, and environment. Such approaches may also address persistent challenges with scoping, respecting Indigenous knowledge and rights, sustainability, health and wellbeing, cumulative effects, and climate resilience.
In this panel session, each presenter will introduce a framework that embodies interconnectedness (e.g., Mātauranga Māori, systems thinking, Indigenous determinants of health, OneHealth). Panelists will reflect on whether and how the framework:
1) Has withstood the test of time;
2) Is transferrable to other contexts; and
3) Continues to resonate in the technological and data-driven era.
Participants will then take part in an interactive activity to identify the most valuable elements of each approach and collaboratively develop a path forward for modern impact assessment.
Session Summary
This panel explores frameworks that recognize the interconnected environmental, social, cultural, health, and economic effects of development projects. Speakers will examine systems-based approaches and consider their relevance, transferability, and role in advancing more integrated, equitable, and effective assessments.
Proposed By
Health
Session Chair
Aurelia Thevenot
Health Canada
Canada