Statement about IAIA14 & Chile Earthquake April 2, 2014

IAIA14 Impact Assessment for Social and Economic Development:

Conference Theme and Objectives

Can social and economic development be mutually compatible? Social development should be understood not only as a result (income growth and poverty reduction) but also as a process of change that leads to equality, social and environmental justice, cultural recognition, and democratization of politics. For this, increase in public participation in decision-making is a fundamental component of social development.

Social and economic progress can lead to a better quality of life, but at what cost? Economic progress often generates environmental effects that, even though they are not immediately evident, may adversely impact biodiversity and natural resources.

At IAIA14 we expect to look at the role of the various instruments of impact assessment on the promotion of social and economic development, considering the importance of the assessment process itself as well as its results. At the conference, experiences and ideas will be shared about how IA outcomes may include efficient and innovative ways to promote social and economic development to benefit quality of life, now and for future generations.

Conference Topics

During IAIA14, participants will be encouraged to discuss how the various instruments of impact assessment can assist developers, industry, decision-makers, financial institutions, development cooperation providers, and the public to integrate environmental, social, and other concerns in the following areas of interest:

• Cultural heritage
• Public participation
• Social conflict
• Sustainable development
• SEA/EIA in Latin America
• Indigenous peoples
• Governance
• Biodiversity
• Climate change
• Energy
• Land use planning and management
• Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
• Natural disasters
• Environmental management systems
• Health impact assessment
• Social impact assessment
• Strategic environmental assessment
• Environmental IA law, policies and practice
• Capacity building for better IA systems
• EIA methodology and practice
• Monitoring and follow-up
• Environmental compliance and enforcement
• Communication in impact assessment
• Evaluation and evolution of national EIA systems