Social Impact Assessment And Monitoring

This systematic, critical review of more than 600 recent publications in social impact assessment (SIA) and related fields is based on the authors' belief that SIA is more than an analytical technique--it is also a logical and timely response to our ever-growing need for more and better information to facilitate decision making in an increasingly c

This systematic, critical review of more than 600 recent publications in social impact assessment (SIA) and related fields is based on the authors' belief that SIA is more than an analytical technique--it is also a logical and timely response to our ever-growing need for more and better information to facilitate decision making in an increasingly c

Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is an important and often obligatory part of proposing or launching any development project. Delivering a successful ESIA needs not only an understanding of the theory but also a detailed knowledge of the methods for carrying out the processes required. Riki Therivel and Graham Wood bring together the latest advice on best practice from experienced practitioners to ensure an ESIA is carried out effectively and efficiently. This new edition: • explains how an ESIA works and how it should be carried out • demonstrates the links between socio-economic, cultural, environmental and ecological systems and assessments • incorporates the World Bank’s IFC performance standards, and best practice examples from developing as well as developed countries • includes new chapters on emerging ESIA topics such as climate change, ecosystem services, cultural impacts, resource efficiency, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement. Invaluable to undergraduate and MSc students of ESIA on planning, ecology, geography and environment courses, this internationally oriented fourth edition of Methods of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is also of great use to planners, ESIA practitioners and professionals seeking to update their skills.

'This book should be read by anyone commissioning impact assessments who wants to build their understanding of the more progressive and innovative end of the topic. A job well done in the eyes of stakeholders and regulators requires proper social analysis.' Jon Samuel, Head of Social Performance, Anglo American 'The list of authors reads like a who's who in SIA. Academics and practitioners are equally represented among the authors. The book provides a good mix of broad theoretical concepts and specific practical topics.' Martin Haefele, Manager, Environmental Impact Assessment at Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada 'This book gives a very broad overview of where Social Impact Assessment is coming from, where it is now and where it could go: from an impact assessment tool to an impact management tool. It provides a realistic insight in both the achievements and the struggles of Social Impact Assessment. A recommended read for both those interested in Social Impact Assessment and those in related domains where social issues are gaining increasing importance, such as Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal.' Rob Verheem, Deputy Director, Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment This important new book outlines current developments in thinking in the field of Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It advances the theory and practice of SIA, and argues that a dramatic shift is required in the way socioeconomic studies and community participation is undertaken. The book emphasizes that, much more than the act of predicting impacts in a regulatory context, SIA needs to be the process of managing the social aspects of development and that there needs to be a holistic and integrated approach to impact assessment. It stresses that greater attention needs to be given to ensuring that the goals of development are attained and enhanced. This significant addition to the literature will be an invaluable reference for academics, consultants and practitioners.

This book is intended for introductory courses in SIA within sociology, social policy, human geography and political science at postgraduate level. Specialist postgraduate and professional courses in policy- orientated social research and in social and general impact assessment.

Reporting on recent developments in the field of impact assessment, this volume critically analyzes such key areas of assessment as technology, demography, economy, risk, ecology, health, development and climate. Each area is related back to impact assessment as an overall process.

'This book provides a valuable addition to the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) literature. While the volume addresses several good examples of "how to" case studies it also firmly addresses the importance of the need for firm conceptual and theoretical guidelines for SIA practice. . . the volume is an excellent contribution to the SIA literature and I highly recommend it to both practitioner and researcher alike.' – Geoff Syme, Australasian Journal of Environmental Management 'An innovative collection which takes social impact assessment to the frontiers of environmental and social policy and citizen awareness. Unusually, this collection includes both sophisticated quantitative tools and equally important chapters on participation, stakeholder involvement and environmental mediation. A most valuable source book.' – Michael Redclift, King's College, London, UK Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is the process of analysing and managing the intended and unintended consequences on the human environment of planned interventions (policies, programmes, plans, projects) so as to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment. This important Handbook presents an indispensable overview of the range of new methods and of the conceptual advances in SIA. Recent increased attention to social considerations has led to substantial development in the techniques useful to, and the thinking in, SIA. A distinguished group of contributors provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of the cutting-edge in SIA development. This Handbook outlines a new understanding and definition of SIA and, as such, will be an invaluable reference tool for both practitioners and scholars at different levels working in the fields of SIA and environmental studies (including both impact assessment and management).

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline.com. This carefully conceived Handbook presents a state-of-the-art discussion of the field of social impact assessment (SIA), highlighting contemporary understandings and emerging issues in this continually evolving area of research and practice. Experienced SIA practitioners from around the world share their learnings and advice on a comprehensive range of issues faced in social performance practice.