Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects

Synopsis

Reclamation work presents both environmental and social impacts, which can be categorized into onshore and offshore effects. Offshore impacts involve damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, including the seabed, coral reefs, seagrasses, benthic communities, and marine megafauna such as turtles, whales, and dolphins. Onshore impacts, on the other hand, include air and noise pollution, waste generation, and disturbances to terrestrial wildlife. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions and the need for habitat restoration, particularly in Critical Habitats, are important considerations.

Social impacts often involve the economic and physical displacement of communities located within the project's footprint, as well as other issues that directly affect individuals, such as property damage. Negative community perceptions of a project can also arise, especially when expectations are not adequately met. These perceptions, if not managed, can increase the risks to project completion.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) provide established mitigation mechanisms that help reduce, avoid, or…