ID: 2186
Presenting Author: Thabani Gambu
Session: 678 - Advancing government approaches to effective science communication in Impact Assessment
Status: pending
Misinformation undermines EIAs in KwaZulu-Natal; this study identifies its roots in communication gaps and proposes context-specific strategies to strengthen accuracy, inclusive, and trust in enviro
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) constitute a fundamental aspect of environmental management. They are required to assess the possible repercussions of developmental initiatives and encourage comprehensive public involvement. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of EIA procedures in the province is increasingly threatened by the proliferation of incorrect and misleading information. This ranges from unsubstantiated assertions by communities, amplified through social media, to deliberate campaigns of deception by proponents or adversaries of projects, designed to influence results. These distortions of information impede clear communication, diminish public confidence, and bias the quality of stakeholder contributions, thereby weakening the scientific and democratic principles of impact evaluation. Drawing on recent EIA cases in KwaZulu-Natal, encompassing contentious infrastructure, extractive industry, and shoreline projects, this paper investigates how disparate communication networks, language, and cultural challenges, limited digital competency, and uneven access to data create a receptive environment for erroneous accounts to take root. The study further analyses systemic and regulatory deficiencies that fail to address informational accuracy within the EIA structure, as defined by the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). By recommending communication tactics adapted to specific contexts, such as science interpretation programs rooted in communities, multilingual dissemination efforts, collaborative verificatio
A Public Servant with more than 20 years of experience of experience in climate change management and Environmental Quality Management, a Deputy Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal IAIAsa , holding a Mas
Coauthor 1: onwabile Ndzumo-Myeza