ID: 1873
Presenting Author: Ruth Alejandra Catacoli Jimenez
Session: 652 - EA in Latin America: Bridging Infrastructure and Communities for Sustainable Development
Status: pending
Explores how participatory ESIAs and environmental flow methods can improve ecosystem services protection and water management in Latin America.
Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) play a critical role in balancing infrastructure development with ecosystem protection. In Latin America, integrating stakeholder participation into ESIAs and the determination of environmental flows can strengthen both ecological integrity and social inclusion.
This presentation explores how participatory approaches can enhance the identification of risks and impacts on ecosystem services and improve decision-making processes related to water management. It discusses how holistic methods, such as the Building Block Methodology (BBM) and DRIFT, enable the integration of scientific, social, and cultural perspectives, promoting consensus around ecological flow requirements.
Drawing on regional experiences, the discussion emphasizes that involving local communities and water users not only improves technical outcomes but also builds legitimacy and shared responsibility in managing freshwater ecosystems. The presentation seeks to open dialogue among practitioners and regulators on how ESIAs can evolve toward more participatory and ecosystem services–based approaches, aligning with international standards such as the IDB’s ESPS 6 and IFC’s PS6.
Senior Environmental Specialist at the IDB Group, with 20+ years of experience in ESG risk management, environmental flows, and stakeholder engagement across Latin America.