Complexities of First Nations impact assessments in offshore environments
Miriam Bell A * and Tram Vu AA
Miriam holds a BSc in Marine Science and Environmental Science and a Master of Environment and Climate Policy. Her studies included a dissertation on blue carbon policy frameworks for climate mitigation and an Aboriginal On-Country learning unit, deepening her understanding of First Nations perspectives on land and sea management. With over 6 years of experience, including two in oil and gas and offshore wind, Miriam has supported First Nations cultural heritage assessments, offshore environmental impact assessments and approvals in Australia and internationally. Miriam is passionate about integrating First Nations perspectives into environmental approvals to protect cultural heritage and strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners. |
Tram is an Xodus environmental consultant with a BSc and Honours degree in Environmental Science. As part of her degree, Tram completed a physics dissertation on sound production in fishes and now possesses a sound understanding of underwater noise propagation. Her studies had led her to become an offshore approvals specialist with significant experience in creating tailored impact, risk and cumulative impact methodologies, efficient compliance strategies and impact assessments for complex aspects such as light, noise, discharges, oil spills and First Nations values and sensitivities. |
Abstract
Writing First Nations impact assessments (IAs) presents several complexities due to the unique cultural, historical and spiritual connections of First Nations peoples to the land and sea. Potential impacts from offshore developments on First Nations communities can be far-reaching and interconnected, making it challenging to accurately identify, measure and assess all potential consequences. These complexities underscore the importance of conducting thorough and culturally sensitive IAs to ensure the rights and interests of First Nations peoples are adequately protected. A fundamental step is to identify and understand how First Nations people’s cultural sites and values are intrinsically connected to the physical aspects of the environment that may be affected. This understanding can only be achieved through meaningful engagement with First Nations communities to identify and comprehend cultural sites and values. Long-term partnerships between titleholders and First Nations communities are essential to maintain the validity of information and management of the cultural sites and values. We will explore the complexities of defining First Nations people’s cultural sites and values and how offshore Australian titleholders have developed effective IAs and management strategies to protect the rights and interests of First Nations people.
Keywords: Aboriginal cultural heritage, connection to Country, cultural heritage, environmental impact assessment, First Nations, First Nations impact assessment, heritage values, Indigenous impact assessment, oil and gas, stakeholder engagement.
Miriam holds a BSc in Marine Science and Environmental Science and a Master of Environment and Climate Policy. Her studies included a dissertation on blue carbon policy frameworks for climate mitigation and an Aboriginal On-Country learning unit, deepening her understanding of First Nations perspectives on land and sea management. With over 6 years of experience, including two in oil and gas and offshore wind, Miriam has supported First Nations cultural heritage assessments, offshore environmental impact assessments and approvals in Australia and internationally. Miriam is passionate about integrating First Nations perspectives into environmental approvals to protect cultural heritage and strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners. |
Tram is an Xodus environmental consultant with a BSc and Honours degree in Environmental Science. As part of her degree, Tram completed a physics dissertation on sound production in fishes and now possesses a sound understanding of underwater noise propagation. Her studies had led her to become an offshore approvals specialist with significant experience in creating tailored impact, risk and cumulative impact methodologies, efficient compliance strategies and impact assessments for complex aspects such as light, noise, discharges, oil spills and First Nations values and sensitivities. |
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