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Please find the Nordic-Baltic Impact Assessment Conference 2018
full programme from HERE

September, 30

Parallel sessions descriptions

1. Critical reflections on social, cultural, economic, health impacts and stakeholder engagement in IA

Description: The concept of Impact Assessment has gradually developed since the introduction of Environmental Assessment in the early 1970-ies. One of the main changes is the introduction of other aspects such as social, cultural and health. Also, the issue of stakeholder engagement has developed over time. This development can also be seen in the Nordic and Baltic countries. This session aims at discuss and reflect on social, cultural, economic, health impacts and stakeholder engagement in IA.

Chairs: Rauno Sairinen, University of Eastern Finland; Helen Sooväli-Sepping, Tallinn University

Timing: Oct 2, 12:30-14:30
 

2A & 2B. Strategic planning and IA in the transport and energy sectors & workshop

Description: Integrating strategic planning and SEA. Can we deepen the synergies by introducing new tools and guidelines? Should we find new mechanisms to cover the widening spectrum of expectations for impact assessment?

Chairs: Heikki Kalle, Estonian Environment Institute; Ross Marshall, Leading Green

Timing: Oct 1, 12:30-14:30, 15:00-17:00
 

3. The integration of sustainability in decision making through Impact Assessment

Description: In many countries, Impact Assessment has been given the role of a facilitator or integrator of sustainability in decision making. This session aims at discussing the recent research and practice relating to the role of Impact Assessment in decision making within transport planning and spatial planning. Furthermore the session aims at discussing the role of IA research in furthering sustainable development.

Chairs: Ulrika Gunnarsson-Östling, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology; Ross Marshall, Leading Green
 

4. Biodiversity, ecosystem services, and Appropriate Assessment of Natura 2000 areas in IA

Description: Twenty five years after the Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature and the adoption of EU Habitat Directive, the world continues to see unprecedented loss of species and habitat. The ecosystem services that the lives of people depend on are generally unknown and undervalued. The European Commission estimates that by 2050, economic loss due to loss of ecosystem services will amount to 14 trillion EUR.

The challenge is to better understand how to assess biodiversity values, identify dependence on and impacts to ecosystem services, design better mitigation measures, effectively monitor changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services over time, and implement adaptive management to manage uncertainties over the long term.

The aim of this session is to bring together practitioners working with both policy makers responsible for shaping IA frameworks and scientists committed to finding practical ways forward. The session explores how to better integrate conservation science into planning processes and impact assessment.

Chair: Kaja Peterson, SEI Tallinn

Timing: Oct 2, 10:30-12:30
 

5. Legal system, capacity building and guidance as a drivers of effectiveness of IA

Description: The IA system effectiveness is a multifaceted challenge that can be improved by hard means of legal frame or softer means of capacity building and guidance. The session discusses experiences of legal system and guidance development from different countries.

Chairs: Ismo Pölönen, University of Eastern Finland Law School; Age Poom, University of Tartu

Timing: Oct 2, 10:30-12:30
 

The organizers keep the right to make necessary changes to the programme and the outline of the sessions.