ID: 2015
Presenting Author: Aldo Turco
Session: 668 - Spreading the Deliberative Approach to Impact Assessment and Decision-making
Status: pending
Challenges and solutions of applying the deliberative approach in the livelihood restoration process of fishermen facing potential economic impacts from an offshore wind farm project
The application of a deliberative approach in a decision-making process can often present challenges specific to the stakeholder group involved. The work presented in this case-study focuses on the application of such approach within a livelihood restoration process in the offshore renewable energy sector. We developed a focused approach to discuss meaningful solutions and compensations towards the fishing operators in the project area that could be potentially affected by the future construction and operation phases of an offshore wind farm. The approach involved identifying the specific stakeholders and their appropriate representatives, integrating and summarizing the impact assessment information on the fishing sector, and arranging individual and group meetings to discuss solutions based on the available information. Stakeholders were initially provided with a comprehensive informative package, which included estimates of the project potential economic and environmental impacts on the sector. However, this science-based data often collided with the fishermen’s experience, therefore, specific meetings were organized to address their comments and collect their opinions and expectations, with the aim of finding a common pathway to follow in the subsequent phases of the project. The process was finalized with the signing of an agreement document which summarized the collectively identified solutions to calculate economic loss, taking into consideration local practices. The document also indicated potential mitigations and compensations to be co-signed with final users.
Aldo Turco is a senior marine specialist with international experience in ESIA, including fisheries related components. He has also academic experience in communicating sustainability issues