The contribution of Geography to Environmental Assessment (EA) practice and research in South Africa

An impact assessment tool to identify, quantify and select optimal social-economic, ecological and health outcomes of civic environmental management interventions, in Durban South Africa

“…The innovation in the methods applied here relates to the application of EIA on civic ecology practices. We believed Environmental Assessment was a suitable approach, potentially the most successful environmental policy intervention of our time, that is used internationally ( Taylor et al, 2012 ), and which allows for more sustainable outcomes to be achieved ( Sandham and Retief 2016 ), through the quantification of ecological, socio-economic, and health impacts. Furthermore, impact assessment that incorporates consideration of environmental and social impacts using an ecosystem service approach has been shown to improve EIA practice ( Rosa and Sánchez, 2016 ).…”