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Effectiveness is a long-standing issue in impact assessment (IA) practice and research – the theme is fundamental to the continued development and improvement of IA, and is essential to understanding its impacts on and contributions to environmental management. Understanding effectiveness not only requires attention to the variables that shape the context within which an IA system operates, but it also requires gauges for evaluation. In this paper, we present the results of a Delphi study conducted to develop criteria that can be used in appraisal or audits of IA effectiveness. Involving 55 IA experts, the Delphi resulted in 49 criteria, organized into nine themes. Although the framework of criteria was developed for analysis of the Canadian assessment setting, the criteria can have value to other jurisdictions. The Delphi wove sustainability throughout the criteria rather than set it as a single criterion. While context remains a key theme in evaluation, the Delphi demonstrates that there may be universal qualities that IA should possess if it is to be an effective environmental management tool, and these may transcend context. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper explores environmental assessment and management practices in the Maldives with a focus on the role of the public in environmental decision-making. As one of the world's most vulnerable states, the Maldives is undergoing rapid political, economic and environmental transformation. Yet environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and environmental policy in general, take place within a framework of limited democratic representation and participation. Thus environmental assessment is reinforcing unsustainable practices through curbing debate and information on the sources and consequences of environmental threats. While historic democratic elections in 2008 opened the door for political and social change, tensions remain between state desire for rapid economic growth, and environmental vulnerability and democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]