Improved SIA through DRA integration: lessons from a South African legislative comparison

Abstract

ABSTRACTSocial Impact Assessment (SIA) and Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) are two distinct fields, with broadly similar aims relating to sustainable communities, but usually regulated by differing regulatory systems. In South Africa, SIA is an integral but often neglected component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), while DRA informs Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The potential integration of SIA and DRA is a new trend internationally. This study examines South African EIA and DRM legislative and statutory provisions, searching for commonalities that could support potential integration between SIA and DRA – a phenomenon not yet reported on in South African literature or elsewhere. The EIA legislation was found to have a strong biophysical focus with limited provision for social issues, whereas DRM legislation more explicitly places people at the forefront of risk reduction. Despite the observed differences, commonalities were observed in SIA and DRA’s shared purpose to reduce risks, increase community resilience and achieve sustainable development. These findings suggest areas which offer opportunities for meaningful collaboration between SIA and DRA, leading to improved SIA status and practice in South Africa and valuable lessons for other countries with an SIA-DRA dichotomy.