ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

 

 

 

In the context of implementing large-scale investment projects, conducting in-depth social assessments (ESIAs) becomes critical to ensuring sustainable development and minimizing negative impacts on local communities. The Sange Research Center has over 25 years of experience in this strategic area, establishing itself as a leading expert in Kazakhstan.

 

What is an ESIA and why is it important?

 

Social assessment (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment – ​​ESIA) is a systematic process for identifying, predicting, assessing and mitigating the potential social impacts of proposed projects, policies, programs or plans. It is carried out in accordance with internationally accepted standards of IFC, WB ESF, EBRD or ADB and allows:

  • Identify and prevent risks: Identify potential negative impacts on local communities, such as changes in livelihoods, cultural shifts, impacts on health, access to resources and social infrastructure.
  • Ensure equity: Ensure that vulnerable groups are not harmed and that the benefits of the project are distributed fairly.
  • Improve project planning: Integrate social aspects into the design process, making projects more socially acceptable and effective.
  • Strengthen stakeholder engagement: Ensure open dialogue and consideration of the views of all stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs and government agencies.

 

During his career, Sange has completed over 40 environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) projects for leading international organizations (World Bank, ADB, EBRD, etc.) and large mining companies (TCO, NCOC, KPO, KMG, Altynalmas, Cameco, and others).

Our experience covers a wide range of research, including:

  • Social assessment (ESIA) in Turkestan Province, ERM, 2025. Comprehensive study of the socio-economic situation of households and perceptions of projects.
  • • Sociological study ‘Socio-economic factors affecting living conditions and health of the population in the area of implementation of the Kashagan Project. Phase IIB’, 2022, CAPE.
  • It included the collection of statistical data, in-depth interviews with representatives of local authorities, health care, education, social protection, NGOs, as well as quantitative research.
  • Assessment of the socio-economic situation of the population in the BAKAD construction area. ERM, 2018. Assessment of the project's impact on the socio-economic situation of the population.
  • Environmental and social impact assessment of the Fedorovsky Refinery. ERM, 2017.
  • Identification of socio-economic needs and requirements in areas located near TSO operations. 2016, TSO.
  • Social diagnostics within the framework of the project ‘Development of a Resettlement Plan for KRO’. 2015, ERM Eurasia LLP.
  • Study on poverty assessment and social impact of the Joint Management Programme for the Forestry of the Priirtyshya Strip Forests in East Kazakhstan Region and Pavlodar Region. Committee for Forestry and Hunting of the Republic of Kazakhstan and World Bank, 2014
  • Perceptions of the Uranium Mining Industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Suzak District. Cameco, 2012.
  • Assessment of the Status and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in the Caspian Region. NCOC, 2011.
  • Socio-economic study of the northern coast of the Caspian Sea (Atyrau and Mangistau regions). 2010.
  • Socio-economic impact assessment of the Altynalmas project (Gold mining company). ERM, 2010.
  • Comments on the Report on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Kazakhstan. National Council, Coalition ‘Oil Revenues – Under Public Control!’, 2008.
  • Social assessment of the population of settlements in Mangistau Region. KMG, 2007.
  • Development of a resettlement plan for the settlements of Tungush in Ural Region and Sarkamys in Atyrau Region. Chevron, KIO, ERM, 2004
  • Social Assessment of the Project to Improve the Environmental Situation in the City of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Committee on Water Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, World Bank, 2005.
  • Social assessment of the environmental restoration project in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Water Resources Committee, World Bank 2004-2005.
  • Social assessment within the framework of the Water Resources Management and Land Rehabilitation Project. ADB, 2004.
  • Social diagnosis of oil-producing regions of Kazakhstan (total population survey). Agip KCO 2001-2002.

Thus, our current approach to EIA is based on many years of experience, an extensive database and a deep understanding of the realities in Kazakhstan, which allows us to ensure high-quality research and make a significant contribution to managing the social risks and benefits of large-scale projects.

 

 

UNIQUE PROJECT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT: RATING OF EXTRACTIVE COMPANIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, UNITED NATIONS DEMOCRACY FUND (UNDEF), 2009-2010

As part of the project ‘NGO Coalition “Oil Revenues Under Public Control” Against Poverty,’ the Sange Research Centre developed an original methodology for ranking the sustainable development of 30 extractive companies and local authorities in extractive regions.

The study, which covered 46 settlements in 12 regions, was based on a survey of more than 2,400 residents and included an assessment of four key components: economic, environmental, social and governance transparency.

Conducted in two stages (2009 and 2010), this study not only provided a comprehensive assessment of the activities of companies and authorities, but also tracked the dynamics of change.

Based n the results of the study, seminars and conferences were held in the regions with the participation of local authorities and companies, which contributed to open dialogue and the implementation of recommendations.