IA Outlook Journal Volume 23: International Best Practice in Impact Assessment

The following blog has been written by Professor Thomas Fischer, the Guest Editor of Volume 23 of the IEMA Impact Assessment Outlook Journal, International Best Practice in Impact Assessment.

The 23rd Volume of the Outlook Journal offers a wealth of insights for professionals working in Impact Assessment (IA). Featuring 10 perspectives from across the globe, this collection highlights practical applications of IA, showcasing its potential to support sustainable development, protect communities, and foster innovation.

The contributions underline the enduring importance of IA in achieving environmental, social, and economic goals while demonstrating the indispensable relationship between IA practitioners and academics.

The articles showcase a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies. From Australia, Tanya Burdett explores how strategic assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act have yielded significant benefits, including wetland protection and cost savings, facilitated by clear guidance and professional networks.

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Similarly, Thailand's Community-led Health Impact Assessments (CHIAs), as discussed by Chaunjit Chanchitpricha and myself, empower local populations to mitigate risks from projects in the mining and energy sectors while fostering improved relationships with government agencies. These case studies demonstrate the tangible benefits of IA, particularly when communities and stakeholders are actively involved.

In Ireland, Ainhoa González and Tadgh O’Mahoney delve into the success of the national Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Action Plan, showing the importance of periodic updates and guidance documents.

Emilia Ravn Boess from Denmark presents innovative ways to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into environmental assessments, encouraging professionals to use SDGs as a framework for impactful policy and project development.

From China, Haojia Wang highlights how SEA contributed to Nanjing’s Urban Master Plan, transforming the city into a ‘Riverside Ecological Liveable City’ and addressing issues like pollution and inefficient land use.

Authors also explore IA’s role in large-scale projects. Maria Partidário from Portugal reflects on how SEA has informed decisions on significant projects like lithium exploration and Lisbon’s new airport, illustrating how critical decision-making factors can survive changes in government.

Similarly, Francois Retief, Claudine Roos, and Reece Alberts analyse responsible waste management principles in South Africa’s protected areas, offering insights on how these principles align with best practices in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Practical applications of IA are further explored through Marielle Rowan and Hannah Mills’ discussion on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), emphasising the need to distinguish between impacts, risks, and human rights issues in international projects.

In Wales, Catrin Lyddon examines the health implications of waste reduction and reuse initiatives, underscoring the importance of evaluating trade-offs in circular economy initiatives. Lastly, Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer and Astrid Gühnemann from Austria propose a tiered SEA approach to national transport planning, advocating for strategic assessment of policies alongside individual projects.

The interaction between IA academics and practitioners highlighted in this journal is critical. Together, they enhance the positive results of effective and thoughtful IA, ensuring it remains a robust tool for sustainable development. The continued improvement of IA is vital in addressing modern challenges, from climate change to rapid urbanisation, and collaboration between academics and practitioners is essential for this by transcending disciplinary silos and fostering innovation.

As IA faces increasing scrutiny amid calls for reform, this journal affirms its relevance and capacity to drive meaningful change. It urges professionals from all aspects of IA to embrace integrated approaches and strengthen partnerships. By doing so, IA can continue to build sustainable societies that prioritise environmental stewardship and human well-being. 

Download a copy of the Outlook Journal here.

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If you are interested in being involved in IEMA Impact Assessment Network, joining an IA Working Group, or editing or contributing to a future Impact Assessment Outlook Journal, IEMA members can email [email protected].

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Please note: the views expressed in this blog are those of the individual contributing member and are not necessarily representative of the views of IEMA or any professional institutions with which IEMA is associated.


Published by:
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Thomas Fischer

Professor, Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool

Thomas is a Professor of Impact Assessment in the Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK and Director of the Environmental Assessment and Management Research Centre. He is also the Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Health in Impact Assessments and a Partner at Global Impact Assessment. Furthermore, he is an Extra-ordinary Professor at the Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, South Africa and a Fellow of IEMA and member of the Impact Assessment Steering Group. He started his professional career 34 years ago as a consultant for Impact Assessments, mainly of transport projects in Potsdam, Germany. He then worked for the German Federal administration before doing his PhD on Strategic Environmental Assessment in transport and spatial planning at the University of Manchester. After post-doc positions in Bristol and Berlin, he joined the University of Liverpool over 21 years ago.