ESIA mapping: a work in progress Working together with a few external facilitators we have now now applied ESIA mapping close to thirty times. Each application brings new lessons learnt about the tool’s effectiveness, which help when regularly updating and revising it. In 2014, for example, we added a dashboard to help tailor the mapping to each workshop audience. This made it possible to skip certain sections and concentrate on others. The name was changed from EIA mapping to ESIA mapping, to emphasise the social impacts. And the interface was simplified for ease of use. Most recently, we have adjusted the mapping to bring it in line with our system approach. An ESIA map now incorporates the capacities of key actors in the system. Also included are the system functions that are necessary for good ESIA, such as professional education and exchange. Contextual factors, such as the availability of technical knowledge, the role of the media and corruption are also noted (see figure 1). In the coming years we will continue to apply and improve ESIA mapping. Special attention will be given to incorporating new insights into ESIA effectiveness, aligning ESIA mapping with other diagnostic tools, such as SAIEA's EIA barometer and developing SEA mapping. “Interpreting the facts together creates mutual understanding.” An interview with Mr Karim Samoura, mapping facilitator Since 2014, Mr Karim Samoura, teacherresearcher and director of the Master's programme in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at Université Aube Nouvelle in Burkina Faso, has facilitated ESIA mapping sessions in Benin, Guinee, Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger. We asked him about his experiences. What is your role in an ESIA mapping? “As facilitator, I help ESIA agencies in the preparations for the sessions. This includes identifying stakeholders to invite, collecting data to support the discussion and helping ESIA agencies play their role in the ESIA mapping workshop with confidence. After the session, I summarise the analysis. In a second meeting with the same group, I facilitate a discussion on follow-up.” 35
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