The potential application of social impact assessment in integrated coastal zone management

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) would be significantly enhanced if there was greater connection to the field of social impact assessment (SIA). SIA is the process of managing the social issues of planned interventions (projects, policies, plans, and programs). SIA can also be used to consider the effects of gradual landscape change. Key concepts in SIA that are applicable to ICZM include: sense of place and place attachment, islandness, cumulative effects, social carrying capacity, not in my backyard (NIMBY) responses, resilience and vulnerability, corporate social responsibility, social legitimacy, social license to operate, seachange communities and second home ownership. SIA incorporates stakeholder analysis, public participation and community engagement not only to predict the impacts of planned interventions or policy changes, but also to develop effective adaptive management and enhancement strategies. The paper presents a general case outlining the potential use of SIA in ICZM, with reference to the Wadden Sea Region where applicable. Important lessons (aphorisms, frankisms) from SIA are highlighted.

► Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a paradigm, a body of scholarship and practice.
► SIA is the process of managing the social issues associated with planned interventions.
► SIA has much to offer integrated coastal zone management.
► Effective participatory processes are important to increase legitimacy.