Proactive problem solving

Impact assessment Impact assessment is the process of identifying, predicting and evaluating the potential environmental impacts of proposed actions prior to major approval decisions being taken and commitments made. It is undertaken for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating adverse impacts, and enhancing beneficial impacts. More generally, impact assessment can be appreciated as a way of thinking and planning that can be applied to all scales of activity. Impact assessment can be applied to development proposals at various levels – projects, plans, programmes and policies.

See also: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Heritage Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment provides an opportunity to think creatively about the proposed action and potentially contribute to sustainable development.

As shown in Figure 6.3, this includes identifying broader alternatives and more specific mitigation measures, to:

• Avoid entirely or minimize the negative impacts to such an extent that there are no longer any concerns for World Heritage
• Provide or enhance the positive impacts.

Negative impacts on Outstanding Universal Value should always be avoided altogether, since the OUV of a World Heritage property A cultural, natural or mixed heritage place inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore considered to be of OUV for humanity. The responsibility for nominating a property to the World Heritage List falls upon the State(s) Party(ies) where it is located. The World Heritage Committee decides whether a property should be inscribed on the World Heritage List, taking into account the technical recommendations of the Advisory Bodies following rigorous evaluation processes.
When used as a general term, World Heritage refers to all the natural, cultural and mixed properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. is irreplaceable and damage to OUV is unacceptable. This should not be limited to a particular step of the impact assessment process: a problem-solving approach can be taken throughout the assessment to achieve the best outcome for World Heritage and wider sustainability.
Alternatives are discussed in more detail in Section 6.7, and impact mitigation in Section 6.9 and Section 6.10.