Using Collaboration and Creativity to Streamline Impact Assessment

ID: 1484

Presenting Author: Anneliese Grieve

Session: 592 - Streamlining IA in an era of global uncertainty

Status: pending


Summary Statement

Leveraging collaboration and creativity offers a powerful pathway to make impact assessments more efficient and insightful.


Abstract

Leveraging collaboration and creativity offers a powerful pathway to make impact assessments more efficient and insightful. When government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry experts, and local citizens come together in a spirit of genuine dialogue, new approaches and solutions can emerge. Collaborative processes allow for the sharing of knowledge, the pooling of experiences, and the early identification of potential conflicts or opportunities.
Creativity breathes innovation into traditional assessment models. By embracing new technologies, visualization tools, and participatory methodologies, we can move beyond rote checklists towards more dynamic, adaptive frameworks. Cross-disciplinary teams are more likely to identify cumulative effects, consider regional context, and design mitigation strategies that are both effective and context-sensitive.
Meaningful collaboration and creative thinking accelerate approvals and ensure projects are robust, resilient, and better aligned with community values and environmental goals. By deploying existing legislative frameworks with intention and fostering a culture of open consultation, we can transform impact assessment into a process that is both streamlined and deeply informed. Project case studies consistently demonstrate that when stakeholders are actively engaged and creative solutions are encouraged, outcomes are more sustainable, timelines are reduced, and trust is built for the long term.


Author Bio

With 35 years of experience managing IAs for controversial projects, Anneliese has challenged prescribed processes within IA to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of approvals.


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