Social Impact Assessments 

A Social Impact Assessment is a process of research, planning and the management of social change or consequences (positive and negative, intended and unintended) arising from policies, plans, developments and projects.

The core focus of an SIA is on the important impacts of projects and developments beyond the impacts on natural resources. 

• People’s way of life – that is, how they live, work, play and interact with one another on a day-to-day basis.
• Their culture – that is, their shared beliefs, customs, values and language or dialect.
• Their community – its cohesion, stability, character, services and facilities.
• Their political systems – the extent to which people are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives, the level of democratization that is taking place, and the resources provided for this purpose.
• Their health and well-being – health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.