Deliberative approach to impact significance assessment

Abstract

Impact significance assessment is a combination of objective and subjective assessment, and can be characterized as a multi-criteria problem. In this article we propose a systematic and transparent approach where the impact significance assessment is realized together with experts and stakeholders. First, a preliminary significance evaluation framework is developed by the experts. Evaluation framework consists of criteria, indicators and scales. The framework is then refined based on the discussions with stakeholders and citizens. Thereafter, experts and stakeholders evaluate the significance of the impacts independently based on the criteria and scales defined earlier. In this phase Multi-Criteria Decision analysis can also be applied to support the evaluation task. MCDA can be used to calculate overall values with respect to severity/strength of the impacts and the value of the system. Finally, the results of the experts and stakeholders are compared and particularly the reasons for disagreements over the impact significance are identified and discussed. Finally a table and a x-y graph which summarize the significance assessment from experts and stakeholders perspectives are compiled. In this phase both parties can revise their earlier assessments. Experts’ and stakeholders’ opinions about the significance may differ because of differences in their knowledge, values as well as spatial and temporal assessment frames. One of the advantages of the proposed approach is that it enhances interaction and learning among experts and stakeholders during the process. The approach will be tested in a real-life EIA case.