Climate Justice, Policy and Livelihoods
Climate Justice Centred-Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment in Rural Southern Africa | ASCEND Synthesis Team
This climate justice synthesis team will develop a climate justice-centred approach to environmental impact assessments (EIAs), ensuring that community concerns about land tenure and environmental health are centred.
Overview
About this synthesis team
This climate justice synthesis team will develop a climate justice-centred approach to environmental impact assessments (EIAs), ensuring that community concerns about land tenure and environmental health are centred.
The Challenge
Environmental impact assessments shape which projects proceed and on whose terms, yet rural communities are often consulted late, in unfamiliar language, and without access to the evidence. The result is adaptation and development that overlooks local knowledge and deepens existing inequities.
Our Approach
The team synthesises assessment records, legal frameworks, and community case studies from across rural Southern Africa, working with lawyers, community representatives, and regulators to produce standards that centre justice and meaningful participation.
Expected Outputs
- Climate justice assessment toolkit
- Model legislation briefs
- Community advocacy guides
People
Team members
Researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers contributing to this synthesis team.
Project leads
2 membersMelanie Murcott
University of Cape Town, Institute of Marine and Environmental Law
Ncedo Mngqibisa
University of Cape Town, Land and Accountability Research Centre
Project members
14 membersJohannes Bhanye
University of Cape Town
Brandon Abdinor
Centre for Environmental Rights
Katlego Ramantsima
University of Cape Town, Land and Accountability Research Centre
Wandile Zondo
Natural Justice
Fezeka Ntsanwisi
University of Cape Town
Nokwanda Sihlali
University of Cape Town, Land and Accountability Research Centre
Olivier Crespo
University of Cape Town
Lerato Rabatho
Seinoli Legal Centre
Mutuso Dhliwayo
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association
Shamiso Mtisi
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association
Nkwane Thobejane
Chairperson, Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities
Qinisani Qwabe
Nelson Mandela University
Christiaan Van Schalkwyk
Stellenbosch University
Letzadzo Isaac Kometsi
National University of Lesotho
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