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A new agenda for significance determination in EIA: promoting community-based determination processes to counterbalance technocratic approaches

In: Handbook of Environmental Impact Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Bjørn Aaen
  • Ivar Lyhne
  • Helle Nedergaard Nielsen

Abstract

Despite being a key element in environmental impact assessment (EIA) theory and practice for decades, the literature suggests a series of shortcomings in the determination of impact significance. Often a technocratic approach to significance determination is favoured for its perceived objectivity and while it may be well suited to determine the significance of impacts related to the natural sciences, it is often less suited to determine significance of social impacts, and practices related to those are therefore often less mature, and more contested by communities. This chapter explores the potential roles of communities in significance determination as a way to counterbalance the technocratic approach and overcome some of the current weaknesses. Based on the reported challenges and theories of community engagement, examples and innovative methods are presented and discussed. The aim is to inspire actors involved in significance determination in EIA processes to strengthen their work by engaging with communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Bjørn Aaen & Ivar Lyhne & Helle Nedergaard Nielsen, 2022. "A new agenda for significance determination in EIA: promoting community-based determination processes to counterbalance technocratic approaches," Chapters, in: Alberto Fonseca (ed.), Handbook of Environmental Impact Assessment, chapter 8, pages 146-162, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:20383_8
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