| China Social Impact Assessment Services - Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments | ERM has over 20 years’ experience of conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) with the goal of helping clients to use EIAs both as a planning tool and as an integral part of good operating practice. In addition to EIAs we are also able to integrate social and health impact assessments into the EIA process, or conduct these separately to develop solutions that satisfy both regulators and stakeholders alike.
Social Impact Assessments (SIA) involve analysis of the potential impacts of new projects on local communities and wider society, and the development of strategies to manage these impacts. SIAs can be carried out as a separate study, but is often delivered through an integrated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The objectives of an SIA are to predict and limit adverse impacts of new developments, and to build positive relationships with communities and other stakeholders.
SIAs can be used for: Social impact assessment is the process of identifying and addressing social issues and impacts. This may be for an existing operation or business or as a part of the development of a new project at a strategic or operational level focusing on the enhancement of positive impacts and the mitigation of potential negative impacts. ERM is also well staffed with environmental health professionals to tackle all aspects of your health and safety issues. Unlike many environmental consultancies, we offer occupational and industrial professionals for you. They can work with you to identify and correct existing problems, or assist during planning stages to avoid costly mistakes.
China community resettlement services:
Involuntary Resettlement is, by its very nature, a disruptive process. Its impacts on those affected may range from short-term disturbance, to a break down in social networks or even a long-term loss of income where land-based livelihoods are no longer viable as a result of the development. There is however a growing realisation that wherever adverse or disruptive social impacts are inevitable, there needs to be a sincere search for a minimum impact alternative and for the whole process to be managed professionally and fairly, in a manner that includes stakeholder-opinion. ERM can help you develop mitigation plans including the entitlement framework, resettlement and rehabilitation action plan and monitoring strategy.
Chinese citizens are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the resettlement and compensation packages being offered by project proponents and the local authorities acting on their behalf. Reactions can be severe. One article describing the affects of ignoring communities included four examples of people setting fire to themselves in protest over poor compensation levels, forced relocations, and demolition of property. (“Relocation Dislocation”, China Daily, 9 October 2003).
More common however, are disputes, protests and dissatisfaction in the local community that may lead to costly project delays and reputational damage to the companies involved.
Why the problems?
In China, the State owns all land and retains powers of involuntary resumption. While there is some room for negotiation over compensation, rates are more or less fixed for a given area. Those to be resettled are essentially told when they are to be moved, where they will be moved to and how much they will be paid in compensation. In rural areas, compensation is made according to standards that are updated annually. The problem with this approach is that there is no consideration of “market price” for individual houses that would take account factors such as location and other advantages. For example, additional compensation is not applicable if the resettler has a view overlooking a park or is well served by public transport. In urban areas, new houses offered to relocated families are often undesirable because of their distant location and poor facilities.
What needs to be done?
The World Bank Policy on Involuntary Resettlement requires that a Resettlement Plan (often referred to as a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) be prepared for any project involving forced relocation. The aim of a RAP is to ensure that the livelihoods of those resettled are restored at least to pre-relocation levels, for example that resettled people are no worse off as a result of the project. The RAP sets out clear grievance procedures and dispute mechanisms and stipulates requirements for third party monitoring of compensation activities.
Undertaking resettlement to World Bank standards is not necessarily about paying more compensation to project affected people. It is about involving those affected; maintaining dialogue throughout the resettlement process and giving those to be resettled a say in where and how they will be moved.
A RAP is often undertaken as part of an integrated Social Impact Assessment (SIA) involving a comprehensive consultation programme with affected communities and local government.
For case studies of ERM's work in Social Impact Assessment and resettlement, please click here.
For more information about ERM's work in Social Impact Assessment and resettlement or to find out how ERM can help, please contact:
Rob Hansor
Senior Consultant, Policy and Social Team
T: +86 10 5108 8166
F: +86 10 5108 8167
robert.hansor@erm.com
Johnny Browaeys
Regional Manager/Senior Consultant
T: +86 10 5108 8166
F: +86 21 6469 2185
E: johnny.browaeys@erm.com
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