I am professor of EIA and Environmental Management, at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Civil Engineering, and Department of Environmental Engineering.
I am developing seminars for a group of 25 students. During one of our seminars I have the theme of Negotiation during the EIA Procedure.
How can you negotiate environmental impact assessments with clients?
Understand the context
Before you start an EIA, you need to understand the context of the project and the client. What are their goals, motivations, constraints, and concerns? What are the legal and regulatory requirements for the EIA? What are the main environmental and social issues and risks involved? How will the EIA affect the project timeline, budget, and feasibility? By conducting a thorough scoping and screening exercise, you can identify the key aspects and scope of the EIA, and communicate them clearly to your client.
Establish trust and rapport
Negotiating an EIA with a client requires trust and rapport. You need to demonstrate your expertise, credibility, and professionalism, as well as your ability to listen, understand, and empathize with your client. You also need to be transparent, honest, and respectful, and avoid any conflicts of interest or bias. By building a positive relationship with your client, you can foster mutual respect and cooperation, and avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
Expectations and uncertainties
One of the main challenges of negotiating an EIA with a client is managing expectations and uncertainties. You need to explain the purpose, scope, methods, and limitations of the EIA, and how it will inform the decision-making process. You also need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the deliverables and timelines of the EIA. You should also anticipate and address any potential issues or uncertainties that may arise during the EIA, such as data gaps, stakeholder feedback, regulatory changes, or unforeseen impacts. By setting realistic and clear expectations, and communicating frequently and effectively, you can reduce the risk of conflicts and dissatisfaction.
Seek feedback and collaboration
Another important aspect of negotiating an EIA with a client is seeking feedback and collaboration. You need to involve your client in the EIA process, and solicit their input and feedback at key stages. You should also encourage your client to engage with other relevant stakeholders, such as regulators, affected communities, NGOs, or experts, and incorporate their views and concerns into the EIA. By seeking feedback and collaboration, you can enhance the quality, credibility, and acceptability of the EIA, and foster a sense of ownership and commitment from your client.
Handle disagreements and dilemmas
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter disagreements or dilemmas with your client during the EIA process. For example, your client may disagree with your findings or recommendations, or request changes that compromise the integrity or validity of the EIA. In such cases, you need to handle them professionally and ethically. You should try to understand the reasons behind your client’s position, and explain your rationale and evidence for your own position. You should also explore alternative solutions or compromises that can satisfy both parties, and respect the principles and standards of the EIA. If you cannot resolve the disagreement or dilemma, you may need to seek external advice or mediation, or consider terminating the contract.
Negotiating an EIA with a client can be a challenging but rewarding task for environmental consultants. By following these tips, you can improve your negotiation skills and outcomes, and deliver an EIA that meets the needs and expectations of your client, as well as the environmental and social objectives of the project.
Role play
6 Students – EIA Experts
4 Students – Clients (Project proposals)
10 Students – Public representative
5 Students – Government representative