Friday 16 September 2022

MSA feedback to public consultation: Construction of an Organic Processing Plant in Malta. Site at ECOHIVE Complex, Naxxar

 Date: 13 October 2022

From: Malta Sociological Association 

To:   Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise
(Environment & Resources Authority) 

Re: EA/00019/22 – Construction of an Organic Processing Plant in Malta. Site at ECOHIVE Complex, Naxxar

Link: https://era.org.mt/era-project/ea00019-22/

 

With reference to the consultation in question, the Malta Sociological Association (registered VO 1323) proposes that the policy process employs a social impact assessment process.

 

The International Principles for Social Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.

 

An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

 

In this regard, you may refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the International Association for Impact Assessment, which is accessible from this link:

 

https://www.socialimpactassessment.com/documents/IAIA%202015%20Social%20Impact%20Assessment%20guidance%20document.pdf  

 

Reference: Frank Vanclay (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491