The theme for IAIA26, “Misinformation, Disinformation, Communication, and Impact Assessment,” underscores the urgent need for trustworthy leadership in an era where public confidence in science, institutions, and environmental decision making is increasingly fragile. Leadership training has become essential for ESIA professionals who must now navigate emotionally charged contexts, polarized stakeholder landscapes, and growing skepticism toward evidence-based assessments.
This course is designed to equip IA professionals with the leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence (EQ) skills needed to effectively guide teams, engage stakeholders, and maintain credibility amid misinformation and ideological divides. Participants will explore leadership roles specific to ESIA, including how to lead with clarity, manage public perception, and foster inclusive dialogue in environments where facts may be contested or misunderstood.
Practical tools for communication, influence, negotiation, and conflict resolution will be explored, with a focus on real-world applications and role-based scenarios. The course also emphasizes personal reflection, self-awareness, and EQ as vital leadership assets in maintaining transparency, ethics, and trust in the impact assessment process.
By participating in this training, IA professionals will strengthen their ability to lead collaboratively and ethically—restoring trust, enhancing public engagement, and advancing the credibility of environmental assessments in today’s complex information landscape.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisites: General experience managing or coordinating IA professional teams through to impact statement submission/review. An interest in self-development, particularly leadership and management level skills to enhance personal and project team performance.
Language: English
Duration: 2 days (17-18 May)
Min/Max: 10-30
Price: $485
Instructor: Palash Sanyal, University of Saskatchewan/Governing Water (Canada)
Palash Sanyal
Palash Sanyal is a distinguished executive and certified emotional intelligence coach, specializing in team building, exploring innovative solutions, and resolving conflicts across various industries internationally. He holds leadership positions on both Canadian and international boards, encompassing sectors such as environmental management, insurance, and more. Notable board appointments include Sandbox Mutual Insurance, Supply Chain Canada, Trans Canada Trail, WaterAid Canada, Royal College International, and several key government committees in Canada. He is the Principal at Cedar Aspen Initiative, dedicated to assisting companies with impact assessments and developing sustainable strategies. Palash is also a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment & Sustainability.
Palash is academically accomplished, with three master’s degrees in environmental engineering, development economics, and water security, reflecting over a decade of expertise in ESIA, water risk, and management. His commitment to fostering collaborative learning environments addresses global water security challenges, a critical issue worldwide. His extensive experience includes leading strategic partnerships and project management at top Canadian research institutes in water and food sectors, and roles at international organizations.