What is the International Association for Impact Assessment?
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) is a global network focused on advancing best practice in the field of impact assessment. IAIA was founded in 1980 and has its headquarters in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. The current President is Dr. Richard Fuggle.
IAIA is an international non-governmental organisation that brings together experts and practitioners in the field of impact assessment. The main goal of IAIA is to provide an international forum for advancing innovation and communication of best practice in all forms of impact assessment to further the development of local, regional and global capacity in impact assessment.
IAIA covers environmental, social, health and other forms of impact assessment. One of its key areas of focus is on environmental impact assessment (EIA). EIA is a process used to identify, predict and assess the potential environmental impacts of development projects prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. IAIA aims to promote the development of local, regional and global capacity in EIA and strategically influence environmental assessment policy and practice.
The main mission of IAIA regarding environmental protection is to aid in the development of local, regional and global capacity in the application of environmental assessment as a critical decision making tool for environmentally sound and sustainable development. This includes building capacity in emerging EIA systems in developing nations and influencing policy and practice in developed nations.
What type of organisation is the IAIA?
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO). It operates as a global network focused on best practice in impact assessment.
What is the mission of the IAIA?
The main mission of the IAIA is to provide an international forum for advancing innovation and communication of best practice in all forms of impact assessment. This is aimed at furthering the development of local, regional and global capacity in impact assessment.
Specifically for environmental impact, the IAIA's mission is to aid in developing capacity in the application of environmental assessment as a critical decision making tool for environmentally sound and sustainable development globally.
The IAIA aims to accomplish this mission by building capacity in emerging environmental impact assessment (EIA) systems worldwide and influencing policy and practise towards more sustainable approaches. Its goal is to enable properly conducted EIA to enhance environmental protection and sustainable outcomes from development activities.
What environmental impact assessment activities does IAIA undertake?
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a key focus area for the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). EIA is a process used to identify, predict and assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects and developments.
The IAIA provides training, capacity building and advocacy around the use of EIA globally. It aims to promote best practice in the EIA process and strategically influence EIA policy and regulations.
The main difference between EIA and IAIA is that EIA is the process and methodology, while IAIA is the international body focused on building capacity and improving practice in EIA specifically.
What are the main environmental issues treated with IAIA?
Some of the main environmental issues addressed through IAIA's work on strengthening EIA systems and practice include:
- Climate change - IAIA promotes the consideration of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts in the EIA process. This helps identify options to reduce emissions.
- Biodiversity loss - IAIA advocates for a thorough assessment of potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems during EIA. This enables avoidance, minimisation and mitigation of harm.
- Resource depletion - IAIA emphasises assessing resource use efficiency and conservation potential through EIA, including energy, water and raw materials.
- Pollution - Robust EIA considers impacts like air/water pollution, soil contamination and waste generation. This allows prevention and control measures to be incorporated.
- Deforestation - IAIA focuses on the value of assessing impacts on forests and land clearing through EIA of development projects.
By building capacity in EIA application and policy globally, IAIA aims to enable better identification, avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental issues like these.
How does IAIA collaborate on environmental impact assessment projects?
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) collaborates on environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects by providing training, capacity building, technical assistance, and input on EIA policy and regulations.
IAIA has developed international best practice principles, guidance and toolkits that inform EIA activities globally. For example, IAIA has published guidance on integrating climate change considerations into EIA practice.
While IAIA does not enforce EIA rules itself, its publications and capacity building work indirectly influence EIA practice in Australia and worldwide. IAIA's international conferences also facilitate knowledge sharing between EIA practitioners across different countries.
What are the IAIA's activities related to social impact assessment (SIA)?
Social impact assessment (SIA) is the process of identifying and evaluating the potential social impacts of development projects and policies.
IAIA undertakes various activities related to SIA including training courses, workshops, publications and webinars. These focus on themes like best practice in SIA methodology, community engagement in SIA processes, and integrating SIA with other impact assessment types like EIA.
IAIA also provides opportunities for SIA practitioners to network and share knowledge internationally through its annual conferences and membership activities. The goal is to advance SIA practice and ensure social impacts are adequately considered in development planning and decision-making.
What is IAIA's approach to stakeholder engagement in environmental consultancy?
Stakeholders refer to individuals, groups or organisations with an interest or concern around a project or decision.
IAIA recognises meaningful stakeholder engagement as a key principle of best practice impact assessment. IAIA's guidance emphasises the importance of early and active stakeholder consultation in the assessment process. This helps identify impacts, prevent conflicts, and lead to more sustainable outcomes.
IAIA's principles recommend identifying and analysing stakeholders, disclosing information, respecting local knowledge, and fostering open dialogue and participation. Two-way engagement should occur from scoping through to monitoring project impacts.
How does IAIA use feedback from stakeholders?
IAIA gathers feedback from its members, conference participants, training attendees and other stakeholders.
This feedback helps IAIA evaluate and improve its activities and guidance around topics like stakeholder engagement. It ensures IAIA's offerings continue meeting stakeholders' needs in advancing impact assessment practice.
More broadly, IAIA collates case studies and lessons learned to produce guidance on effectively using stakeholder inputs to improve impact assessment quality and outcomes. Key lessons include allowing sufficient time for engagement, managing expectations and communicating how feedback was considered.
What research initiatives does IAIA actively pursue?
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) pursues various research initiatives aimed at advancing best practice in impact assessment and promoting sustainable development outcomes.
Some key areas of active research by IAIA include:
- Developing innovative impact assessment methodologies and tools, such as through IAIA's special topic meetings that facilitate expert discussion on leading-edge techniques.
- Documenting and disseminating case studies to build evidence on effective impact assessment processes and share lessons learned.
- Partnering with academic institutions to sponsor targeted research projects on high priority impact assessment issues.
- Analysing the latest trends in impact assessment policy and regulations across different regions.
- Exploring the integration of emerging issues like ecosystem services, circular economy, and climate resilience into impact assessment practice.
- Harnessing technology to enhance impact assessment, such as through geospatial analysis and big data techniques.
IAIA's research provides key insights and guidance to continue evolving impact assessment and equip practitioners to address complex sustainability challenges. It aims to foster improved decision-making and outcomes from development activities worldwide.
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