C
umulative effects are changes to the environment caused by the combination
of past, present and 'reasonably foreseeable' future actions (projects
or activities). In Canada and around the world, the assessment and management
of cumulative environmental effects present real challenges to communities,
government agencies, industry, academics and consultants.
DPRA Canada has worked with clients to develop approaches to the assessment
of cumulative effects, particularly on the socio-economic environment.
Services provided include:
- design and implementation of consultation programs to involve stakeholders
in all stages of the cumulative effects assessment and management
process;
- development and delivery of cumulative effects assessment training;
- identification of applicable regulatory and policy frameworks;
- identifying environmental components requiring assessment;
- establishing spatial, temporal, and jurisdictional boundaries;
- identifying studies required to establish baseline conditions and
an historical analysis of current issues;
- identifying valued ecosystem components and indicators;
- developing frameworks to describe 'cause and effect' relationships;
- developing mechanisms for dealing with conflict and for addressing
the diverse views and opinions of various parties (for example, in
a workshop setting);
- peer review; and
- developing impact management and monitoring strategies for addressing
cumulative effects.
Representative Projects:
