COVID-19 and Public Consultation in ESIA: Case Studies from Italy and the Philippines
December 2021
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change public consultation practices in environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA)?
Supported by an IAIA Innovation Grant, this research examines how Italy and the Philippines adapted public participation and stakeholder engagement processes during the pandemic.
Through country-specific research and case studies, the two reports explore changes to regulatory frameworks, the use of digital consultation tools, and the challenges of maintaining meaningful public participation during restrictions on in-person gatherings.
The reports offer insights into:
- Changes to public consultation requirements and practices during COVID-19.
- The use of online platforms and alternative approaches to stakeholder engagement.
- Challenges related to accessibility, inclusivity, and meaningful participation.
- Lessons learned and recommendations for strengthening future ESIA consultation processes.
As recipients of a 2020 IAIA Innovation Grant, both reports were submitted in 2021. They provide insights for impact assessment practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in public participation, digital engagement, and more resilient consultation processes.
- Italy: Has the COVID-19 Situation Changed Public Consultation Practices in ESIA? The Case Study of Italy. Authors: Giuseppe Magro and Stefania Pellegrini (Algebra Srl); Grace Eunyoung Lee and Allegra Varriale (Gaia Consult Inc.)
- Philippines: Has the COVID-19 Situation Changed Public Consultation Practices in ESIA? The Case Study of the Philippines. Authors: Grace Eunyoung Lee, Allegra Varriale, and Aldwin Arcilla Camance (Gaia Consult Inc.)
About IAIA Resources
IAIA’s open-access resource library offers a comprehensive collection of publications, on-demand webinars, blog posts, and other resources to support professionals in impact assessment.
