Starting at the end: a proposal to improve ESIA effectiveness

Steve McIlwaine, Sarah Murfitt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

ESIAs are sometimes criticised for being overly academic, with focus placed on baseline data collection and impact analysis rather than the design and development of a realistic and actionable, properly- resourced management plan which will cascade down through the project design stages and into construction and operation. Regulators are often under-resourced and sometimes fail to appreciate the need for detailed and workable controls which will adequately address E&S risks during project development.

This paper will examine four infrastructure projects whose management plans had to be re-opened or re- worked in order to produce a sufficiently robust and granular management plan which would bring the project into line with the lender’s E&S requirements.

Based on this project experience, the paper will propose a novel approach to ESIAs, whereby the study is driven by a provisional management plan developed during the scoping stage. This front-loaded, outcome-oriented approach will produce management plans that are more fit-for-purpose, proportionate and cost-effective, improving E&S management throughout the life of a project and will allow early identification of resource issues and capacity building needs. The approach is based on the concept of adaptive management – a focused, structured, iterative process that informs robust decision making. The paper will set out recommendations for how to apply this approach, while avoiding typical obstacles to implementation, and invite consideration by IAIA attendees.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Association of Impact Assessment Conference 2024, Dublin, Ireland 2024
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - 01 May 2024
EventIAIA2024: Annal conference of the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA) - Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 24 Apr 202427 Apr 2024
https://2024.iaia.org/

Conference

ConferenceIAIA2024
Abbreviated titleIAIA2024
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period24/04/202427/04/2024
Internet address

Keywords

  • EIA
  • environmental management
  • Environmental assessment

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