Cumulative effects are changes to the environment caused by the combination of past, present, and "reasonably foreseeable" future actions. Around the world, the assessment and management of cumulative environmental effects present real challenges to communities, government agencies, industry, academics and consultants.

DPRA has worked with clients to develop approaches to the assessment of cumulative effects, particularly on the socio-economic environment. Services provided include:

  • design and implementation of consultation programs to involve stakeholders in all stages of the cumulative effects assessment and management process
  • development and delivery of cumulative effects assessment training
  • identifying applicable regulatory and policy frameworks
  • identifying environmental components requiring assessment
  • establishing spatial, temporal, and jurisdictional boundaries
  • identifying studies required to establish baseline conditions and an historical analysis of current issues
  • identifying valued ecosystem components and indicators
  • developing frameworks to describe 'cause and effect' relationships
  • developing mechanisms for dealing with conflict and for addressing the diverse views and opinions of various parties (for example, in a workshop setting)
  • peer review
  • developing impact management and monitoring strategies for addressing cumulative effects

Representative Projects: