IAIA26

In recent times, public trust in governments, the media, and information has significantly eroded, leading to increased societal polarization. When emotions, ideologies, and a lack of transparency overshadow scientific facts, environmental assessment faces serious challenges.

Environmental assessment practitioners and decision makers use rigorous, fact-based scientific methods and rely on the participation of citizens to minimize project impacts while engaging with communities. Addressing their concerns and perceptions is crucial.

We recognize that environmental assessment is complex and that we need to enhance communication with the public, policymakers, and the media in order to combat misinformation and disinformation. This conference will explore key thematic streams:

• Communication and reporting to improve transparency: What strategies can we use to communicate complex data in a way to help communities and stakeholders better understand and build trust?
• Inclusive public engagement: What are the best practices for co-constructing projects with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, and for managing emotionally charged issues?
• Enhancing environmental science and regulatory literacy: Impact assessments contain a lot of complex information – how do we help stakeholders better understand environmental science and regulations?
• Digital and interactive impact studies: What digital tools can we use to continuously monitor impact assessments and communicate progress?
• Professional recognition and certification systems: How can these credibility tools be used to instill confidence in stakeholders and establish trust?
• Stopping the spread of false information: When misinformation and disinformation emerge and ideologies take over, how do we address it and mitigate the damage it causes?

In addition, there will be streams for each of IAIA’s special-interest Sections.