Showing papers on "Social impact assessment published in 2001"

Function evaluation as a framework for the integration of social and environmental impact assessment

Abstract: Social impact assessment and environmental impact assessment have developed as separate entities, but a full appreciation of all impacts requires a thorough understanding of all the biophysical and social changes invoked by a planned intervention. Biophysical impacts also have social impacts, and social changes can cause changes in the biophysical environment, which create biophysical impacts. To date, there has not been an adequate framework for integrating biophysical and social impact assessment. This paper presents a method for such integration using function evaluation as a conceptual framework. This has led to a better understanding of the full extent of human impacts, and the impact pathways that lead from interventions to the experience of impacts.

SIA in review: setting the agenda for impact assessment in the 21st century

Abstract: This article reviews the literature and practice of social impact assessment (SIA) to address some of the perennial questions faced by all fields of impact assessment. What scope is there to extend impact assessment beyond individual projects? How might the different branches fit together? What is the relationship between scientific assessments and public participation? It argues that the relative marginalization of SIA has limited the effectiveness and influence of all aspects of impact assessment. However, this marginalization cannot be blamed entirely on the technocratic world views and political agendas of project proponents, governments and scientific agencies. The strength of SIA is undermined also by a failure to resolve fundamental theoretical contradictions concerning the objects and methods of impact assessment, in particular, the contested role of prediction in SIA. While closure on these issues may not be possible, acknowledgement and clarification of them does suggest positive routes forward ...

SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT Social Spin-Offs of the Australia-South Africa Junior Sport Programme

Abstract: Drawing on the body of knowledge of social impact research, this article offers the rationale, methodology and results of the social impact of the junior component of the Australia-South Africa Sport Development Programme. Academics from different disciplines developed and refined a multidimensional, flexible impact assessment tool for the research that was undertaken in the Northern Province and the Eastern Cape in 1999. The Programme that was fed through the educational system in contexts of poverty was monitored and assessed in relation to individual and core sociological indicators at macro-, meso- and micro-levels. The change that was indicated by the presenters (school teachers), participants (children) and other national and regional stakeholders portrays perceptions and experiences of `social change' in terms of ideology, socialization, empowerment, equity and access to participation and decision-making against the background of material constraints and the manifestations of poverty.

The eco-social approach in social work

Abstract: A co-edited refereed output of EU Framework 4 ‘Targeted Socio-Economic Research’ project, 'Making New Policies against Social Exclusion in European Cities: The Eco-social Approach and Social Impact Assessment in Social Work' (646,000 ECU), a comparative action-research project undertaken jointly with Fachhochschule Magedeburg in Germany and University of Jyvaskyla in Finland. In bringing forward the eco-social perspective, the book introduces a new theoretical understanding and new practical approaches to the questions of sustainability in social environments and social inclusion. The two co-authored chapters cover the main concepts developed and used across the project and the research undertaken in England, in Leicester.

A Preliminary Ethnobotanical Survey of Fort Riley, Kansas

Abstract: The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for administering more than 25 million acres of federally owned land in the United States. As a land manager, the DoD must comply with the intent and directives of a number of cultural resources related statutes, regulations, and policy memoranda. Because of these statutes, regulations, and policy memoranda, the potential impacts of land-use proposals on elements of Native American people's culture have become part of the social impact assessment studies used to evaluate the social soundness of proposed projects. These statutes, regulations, and policy memoranda requiring consultation with Native American groups and preservation of traditional cultural properties require comprehensive surveys that may include ethnobotanical surveys. Ethnobotanical surveys do not exist for most installations. A preliminary ethnobotanical survey of Fort Riley, Kansas was conducted. Results of this survey are reported and the approach used defines methodology and data s...

Uganda - Energy for Rural Transformation Project : environmental impact assessment

Abstract: The Energy for Rural Transformation Project will promote the use of stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and the generation of conventional power from small renewable energy resources. The project will avoid sensitive and high biodiversity sites, such as National Parks. Avoidance of these areas concerns also the anticipated population influx and human development that may remain after project completion. Changes in water flow and water quality are likely to occur when constructing a hydropower project. It is necessary to measure the existing flows in terms of velocity of the proposed affected stretch of the river. Another consideration is the generation capacity and needs which in turn affect river flows. Water quality affects sedimentation and erosion, various forms of pollution, and changing flora. Sediment loads may increase during construction of hydropower projects, though may decrease during operation due to a reduction flow in reservoirs. Measuring sediment loads during the project may be required. Pollution in the form of fuel, oil, lubricants, and other chemicals need to be controlled and carefully monitored. To mitigate impacts on vegetation, revegetation programs and reforestation programs may be undertaken and should be funded by the project developer after construction. A baseline study of wildlife will be undertaken if the project disturbs fauna.

Evaluating the social content of local transport plans (england)

Abstract: During 2000 the authors of this paper each undertook a study on transport and social exclusion; Social Exclusion and the Provision and Availability of Public Transport (DETR 2000) and Mind the Gap: reconciling environmental and social concerns about transport from the perspective of disadvantaged groups and communities (JRF, forthcoming). Both studies identified clear connections between social exclusion and transport. These connections were found to be particularly marked among the unemployed, families with young children, the young, all those on low incomes, and older people, in all ethnic groups. In rural areas, there were some very strong relationships between transport and social exclusion. For many, both urban and rural, affordability was a key issue. Availability and accessibility also proved to be highly significant. A varied collection of conclusions also included the need to increase physical mobility for a number of people if social mobility is to be enhanced, but also to simultaneously bear in mind that while the improvement of travel possibilities might help some individuals, in some places there is a risk of further acceleration of loss of local facilities, thus disadvantaging others. Follow-up research to consider how social inclusion can be factored into the totality of local transport was commissioned. This is being undertaken by the Transport Studies Group, University of Westminster, Transport Research and Consultancy, University of North London, Social and Transport Research Services and Paul Beecham Associates, in close association with six local authorities. The ultimate aim of the study is to facilitate the realisation of transport-related policies aimed at the reduction of social exclusion. Stage One of the new study has involved a broad social impact assessment of all 85 English LTPs. Stage Two, which will be completed in March 2001, is concerned with an in-depth social evaluation of six local transport plans in collaboration with the relevant local authorities. The outputs of this in-depth evaluation will be a methodology not only for evaluation, but also a pointer to what kind of policies and measures throughout those LTPs could viably be prioritised to produce the greatest reductions in transport-related social exclusion. This paper describes the process, conduct and results of the evaluation and contributes to the development of a more generally applicable social evaluation methodology. For the covering abstract see ITRD E115303.