Public Participation, Impact Assessment and Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities and Challenges

This course provides an insight into public participation (P2) in Impact Assessment (IA), and the influence and potential of Artificial Intelligence in practice. It draws on 3 specific frameworks –

1. International Association for Public Participation (IAP2),
2. IAIA Best Practice Principles for Public Participation,
3. Handbook of Public Participation in Impact Assessment (June 2024).

It looks at engagement specific to IA, being ethically-centred in approach, and the unique and critical role that IA practitioners play in PP.  

By course end, participants will be able to:

• Define PP, related terms and what makes it unique in IA
• Articulate the opportunity/challenges of Artificial Intelligence in PP in IA
• Identify what makes PP meaningful and effective
• Identify the role values, ethics, power and influence play in PP, and leadership attributes needed
• Apply the IAP2 spectrum and Profiles of Engagement model to IA practice
• Explain distinctions between IAP2, IAIA and the Handbook frameworks – including 10 essential elements and 3 contextual elements set out in the Handbook of Public Participation in Impact Assessment (co-editors Tanya Burdett and John Sinclair, also co-chairs of IAIA public participation section)
• Reflect on/apply the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and intercultural engagement

Level: Intermediate/Advanced 

Prerequisites: Whether working in developed or developing countries, prerequisites include an understanding and awareness of public participation and a willingness to adapt your approach and techniques to take them to the next level.

Language: English

Duration: 2 days (29-30 April)

Min/Max: 10-24

Price: US $480

Instructors:

Tanya Burdett, Director, Essential Planning Ltd (UK), Burdett Associates Pty Ltd (Australia)

Anna Johnston, Environmental Lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law (Canada)

Tanya Burdett

Tanya has been involved in 200+ projects over a 30+-year planning career. From nationally significant infra-structure policies and programs such as High-Speed Rail in the UK requiring high-level Appraisal of Sustainabil-ity, to state-level programs such as the Victorian Infrastructure Strategy, and Level Crossing Removal Projects requiring Environmental Impact Assessment. Skilled in impact assessment (strategic to project), strategic planning and engagement, Tanya has extensive experience throughout the UK and Asia-Pacific. Since 2009/10 Tanya has delivered International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) training to 1,400+ participants from 70+ countries.

Recognized internationally for her work in the engagement and impact assessment and sector, Tanya is co-editor of the Handbook on Public Participation and Impact Assessment.

Anna Johnston

Anna is a public interest environmental lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law, where her work focuses on environmental impact assessment, cumulative effects, and constitutional, biodiversity and climate law. She is a member of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Impact Assessment, co-chairs the Environmental Planning and Assessment Caucus of the Canadian Environmental Network, and has authored numerous reports, papers and book chapters on impact assessment and the constitutional division of powers. She has appeared before superior and appellate courts in BC and Alberta, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.