Bridget Durning, Oxford Brookes University Martin Broderick, WSPGenivar Development Studies Association Annual Conference, 3 rd November 2012, London Reflection on Appreciative Inquiry as a Possible Tool for Effective Public Participation in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

This short presentation will: 1.Outline the key concepts of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process 2.Reflect very briefly on the current guidance and practice 3.Reflect on issues with changing current practice – pose the question – could appreciative inquiry contribute to the effectiveness of public participation in ESIA

Key concepts of the environmental and social impact assessment process (1)

Glasson et al 2012

Some examples of current practice… Extension to an existing coffee factory – public participation consisted of a public exhibition of proposed development. Non-technical summary of environmental statement write interrogatively (not always the case!) Proposed overhead electricity lines – public consultation consists of : Public events with exhibition panels Letters to residents within consultation zone Press releases to local newspapers and radio stations Energy from waste plant – nationally significant infrastructure project – more comprehensive consultation. Included: 20 month consultation period Opportunity given the suggest additional consultation methods Establishment of community liaison panel

Could AI add to effectiveness of process? Issues with trying to change current practice: Innovation in practice is not common in ESIA community Need to consider how to engage practitioners in new practice Engaging communities in enhancement of development is rare EIA practitioners technical bias - they do what they think works Is the time now to be more prescriptive? Could AI enhance ESIA - your thoughts?