ID: 2021
Presenting Author: Tokunbo Olorundami
Session: 527 - The importance of effective communication for Impact Assessments
Status: pending
Explores how a Lifecycle Assessment approach to communication in Impact Assessment can reduce misinformation, enhance transparency, and support inclusive, trustworthy decision-making.
Effective communication is central to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA/IA), yet misinformation and disinformation remain persistent challenges, undermining stakeholder trust and the legitimacy of decision-making. This paper proposes applying a Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) approach to communication in Impact Assessment. By mapping communication across all project stages—from scoping and assessment to mitigation, monitoring, and closure—the approach ensures transparency, consistency, and traceability of information. Drawing on case studies and literature, the analysis demonstrates how structured, stage-based communication reduces errors, prevents deliberate distortion, and strengthens stakeholder engagement. The study highlights the potential for integrating technical and local knowledge through iterative feedback loops, ultimately fostering more informed, inclusive, and trustworthy impact assessment processes. This conceptual framework provides a practical pathway for mitigating misinformation and disinformation in environmental governance, advancing both the quality and credibility of Impact Assessment practice.
Dr. Tokunbo Olorundami is a Lecturer and Academic Director for the MSc in Environmental Management and Sustainability, with over a decade of experience teaching Geography, Environmental Planning