ID: 1774
Presenting Author: Masah Bujlea
Session: 541 - EsIA and Permitting Improvements for Efficiency and Effectiveness: Lessons Learned
Status: pending
Early engagement and transparent communication turn science into a driver of trust, reducing uncertainty and disputes, and consistently delivering stronger baselines, accurate predictions, and timely
Effective communication of regulatory impact assessment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in building trust and credibility in the environmental approvals process.
Yet, as many developers move toward faster project approvals, there is a growing risk that science is perceived as a barrier rather than a foundation for informed decision-making. Drawing on our practical experience navigating regulatory approvals for large-scale development projects, we highlight our experience in Red Sea Global as a company that is protective of the environment alongside the Saudi Arabian environmental regulatory body that was formed around the time of the company’s start in addition to showcase how early stakeholder engagement can transform science communication from a compliance exercise into a driver of better approvals outcomes.
Our work demonstrates that early engagement between regulators and technical stakeholders during the impact assessment and approvals process reduces uncertainty, prevents late-stage objections, and leads to clearer and more defensible permitting decisions. Proactive early dialogue helps identify information gaps before assessments are finalized, allowing scientific studies to be tailored to real regulatory and stakeholder concerns rather than generic requirements. Although not legally required in Saudi Arabia, this adopted approach by Red Sea Global has consistently led to stronger environmental baselines, more relevant impact predictions, and mitigation plans that reflect both local context and scientific evidence.
Masah Bujlea, Environmental Engagement Specialist at Red Sea Global, brings 3 years of experience in EIA & stakeholder collaboration to advance sustainable development & regulatory approvals.
Coauthor 1: Yasser Almutairi