Civil Society and Project Development in Russia: The status and potential of Social Impact Assessment

Abstract

Social impact assessment (SIA) is a valuable component of civil society at the project development level, asserting the right of those affected to influence decision-making that affect their lives. Being a theoretical concept rooted in civil society discourse and an elaborated practice area, SIA has potential to contribute to civil society development at theoretical and practical levels. This research analyses how SIA as practiced in Russia enables people to influence the decision-making that affects their lives, and what potential SIA has to contribute to community development and civil society. The research examined several case studies of major projects implemented across Russia – from a remote area in Siberia to the Russian Black Sea and Baltic Sea coast. It also analysed whether meaningful SIA is performed in Russia to be the subject to decision-making for those potentially affected by a project (Chapter 2), and whether these people are effectively engaged in discussion of the SIA results (Chapter 3). The study identified key challenges that emerge while implementing international SIA in Russia (Chapter 4). Considering that those affected should be involved in discussion of not only adverse impacts but also the development opportunities a project could bring, the research explored the potential of SIA to contribute to community development (Chapter 5). Recommendations are provided with respect to shifting national SIA practice, as well as on desirable modification of SIA to enhance its capacity to contribute to community development.