Sectors

In railway and highway projects, our field studies assess the socioeconomic characteristics, land and natural resource use, livelihoods and transport connections of settlements within the Project Area of Influence (PAI) along the route. We focus on understanding the current living conditions of affected people and communities, the changes the investment may bring, and the needs of groups that may experience these changes differently.

We gather the views, needs and expectations of local communities and relevant stakeholders to inform social impact assessments. We consider the potential effects of land acquisition and restrictions on land use on homes, agricultural land, economic activities and shared spaces alongside livelihoods, access to services and connections between settlements. We give attention to the differing impacts that women and vulnerable groups may face.

Depending on the scope of our assignment, we incorporate our field findings into the preparation or updating of Social Impact Assessments, Resettlement Action Plans and Livelihood Restoration Plans.

In mining projects, our field research examines livelihoods, land use and relationships with natural resources in settlements within the Project Area of Influence (PAI). We assess the activities that support the local economy and the extent to which households depend on them to identify potential social impacts.

We consider changes in access to and use of land alongside their possible consequences for farming and other income-generating activities. Local views and concerns inform our assessments, with attention to people at risk of losing their livelihoods and the needs of vulnerable groups.

Our social impact management consultancy helps translate field findings into measures to address these effects. Depending on the assignment, we prepare Social Impact Assessments and Livelihood Restoration Plans or review existing plans in light of changing conditions on the ground.

For wind, solar and hybrid energy investments, we investigate how plant sites and associated facilities may affect local life. Our fieldwork examines land use, economic activities in neighbouring settlements and livelihoods that may be affected. Transmission lines are included where they fall within the assignment.

We focus on changes brought by capacity increases as well as new facilities. We assess the land requirements of additional generation areas and potential effects on the people using that land. Information gathered from local communities informs social impact assessments and livelihood planning.

Where our assignment includes implementation monitoring, we follow the work beyond the assessment stage. We review field findings alongside the measures set out in project plans and report on emerging needs and issues requiring follow-up.

For industrial facilities and new investments, we assess the relationship between production activities, workers, neighbouring settlements and other stakeholders. Through social impact assessments and stakeholder engagement plans, we help identify affected parties, understand impacts and bring stakeholder views into planning.

Our work on environmental and social action plans examines how commitments are being put into practice. We assess progress and gaps in implementation and report on matters requiring the operator’s attention. Social monitoring is tailored to the investment stage and the scope of our assignment.

In ecosystem services impact assessments, we examine how people benefit from the natural environment and how an investment may affect those benefits. We assess natural resource use in relation to the living conditions and livelihoods that depend on it.

In urban transport and municipal investments, we examine how social requirements are reflected in project implementation. We tailor our consultancy, social monitoring and labour audit services to the nature and stage of the investment and the obligations of the institutions involved.

Our social monitoring follows the delivery of project commitments and issues arising during implementation. We report findings to help the responsible institutions assess progress and identify the steps needed to address gaps.

Labour audits assess employment practices, workers’ rights and compliance with relevant social requirements. We present audit findings and areas requiring improvement for follow-up by project management.

In social development work, we investigate target groups’ living conditions, needs and opportunities to participate. We assess socioeconomic findings in light of gender inequalities and local circumstances. In assignments concerning women’s participation in production and decision-making, we focus on understanding barriers and support needs.

Our training and capacity development work helps institutions and participants connect their activities with the changes they seek to achieve. Using Theory of Change, we examine activities, expected outcomes and the conditions needed to achieve them. We also provide evaluation and consultancy services for employment and rural development initiatives.

When evaluating social investments, we examine the changes and social value that activities create for people. Depending on the assignment, we prepare and support the implementation of social development, gender, stakeholder engagement, and environmental and social management plans.