Managing Severance Impacts in Linear Infrastructure: Lessons from the 1915

ID: 2084

Presenting Author: Huseyin Melih Mumcu

Session: 566 - Engaging Stakeholders in Adversity: Practices, Pitfalls, and Pathways

Status: pending


Summary Statement

This presentation explores how the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and Motorway Project in Türkiye planned for, and mitigated severance impacts, its challenges and lessons.


Abstract

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and Motorway Project, an 88 km motorway in western Türkiye that has been operational since March 2022, is an internationally financed project implemented in accordance with the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. One of the key negative impacts of linear infrastructure projects such as this relates to the creation of physical barriers that affects, communities, wildlife and the physical environment. Mitigating this impact requires complex technical, environmental, social, and governance planning throughout the feasibility, design, construction, and operation phases. Challenges often arise related to land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, design constraints, legal frameworks, government practices, and cultural factors. This presentation will outline the project’s approach to identifying, managing, and mitigating severance impacts, detailing the planning and management practices employed, the challenges encountered, and the strategies developed to overcome them.


Author Bio

Melih is an environmental and social (E&S) consultant (and previously E&S Manager for contractors) working for internationally financed high-risk infrastructure projects in Middle East and Africa.


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