Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

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Special Interest Section for Impact Assessment

The role of the Special Interest Section on Impact Assessment (SIS-IA) is to seek to achieve good environmental outcomes by:
(i) promoting ethical and competent practice of impact assessment by environmental practitioners through developing tools, competencies and a certification process; and

(ii) developing and promoting within the wider community practices which support or extend impact assessment in terms of institutional and decision-making frameworks, processes, standards, competencies and tools.

The SIS-IA has developed recommended criteria for certification of impact assessment practitioners (see below). Those applying for certification would need to meet all the requirements to be recognised as a CEnvP (if they do not already have this qualification) and an additional set aimed at demonstrating a high level of proficiency in impact assessment. The recommended criteria cover required experience, understanding of impact assessment methods, interpersonal skills needed for effective and efficient impact assessment, capabilities in undertaking impact assessment, and commitment to best practice and professional development.

The SIS-IA has also developed a draft memorandum of understanding for affiliation of the EIANZ with the International Association for Impact Assessment. This is currently being discussed with the IAIA.

The SIS-IA is committed to improving standards in impact assessment. The draft paper below looks at some potential actions that SIS-IA could take in this regard. Please note that this is purely a discussion paper and no recommended actions have been agreed at this stage by the SIS-IA or EIANZ. Comments on this paper are welcomed and can be sent to the Convenor of the SIS-IA at: Lachlan.Wilkinson@environment.gov.au.

The SIS is looking for new members. If you would like to be involved, would like more information, or simply wish to be on the email list, please contact Lachlan.Wilkinson@environment.gov.au.