Evaluating the use of Social Impact Assessment in the context of agricultural development projects in Iran

Journal Article · Sun Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2009.03.002· OSTI ID:21364601

Ahmadvand, Mostafa ^[1]; Karami, Ezatollah ^[2]; Vanclay, Frank ^[3]

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1. Faculty of Agriculture, Yasuj University, Yasuj (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
2. Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
3. Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart (Australia)

The utilisation of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) in Iran is analysed in terms of its policy context and its application in practice. Five case studies where SIA was employed in conjunction with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for agricultural development projects are evaluated. In addition, the performance of the policy context is assessed. This research revealed that there are legal and institutional constraints to the effective functioning of SIA in Iran, and that there are deficiencies in the operating guidelines. There were serious problems associated with the way SIA was undertaken in all five case studies. Recommendations to improve the policy framework for the conduct of SIA are made. The recommendations advocate for a higher profile of SIA within legislation, for social issues to have greater emphasis in official guidelines for the conduct of EIA and SIA, and for a range of measures to increase the professionalism of SIA practice.

• OSTI ID: 21364601
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 29; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ASIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
EVALUATION
IRAN
LEGAL ASPECTS
LEGISLATION
MIDDLE EAST
PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT