This was one of the themes that emerged from the recent International Association of Impact Assessment virtual annual conference, according to Ndomupei Masawi, principal environmental scientist at SRK Consulting.
“The use of digital technologies in impact assessments have worked well in the developed world, but in Africa we still have issues that hinder progress – like access to smart devices among our stakeholders and the affordability of mobile data,” says Masawi.
“We need to focus attention on strategic environmental impact assessment (EIA) and find innovative ways to engage stakeholders.”
The discussions with impact assessors from other regions confirmed her confidence in the work being conducted by most EAPs in South Africa, she adds.
“We are already applying many of the practices that some delegates were pushing for in their own countries, such as declaring our independence before we begin our impact assessments – to ensure that our work and recommendations are impartial,” says Masawi.
The well-attended event highlighted the 50 years of the IAIA’s achievements, including its global reach with over 180 countries now using impact assessments to guide development.
SRK Contributor:
Ndomupei Masawi
Read the full article in Why Africa
