Integrating Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Conflict Analysis on a Hydrocarbon Exploration Project in Spain

Abstract

Abstract-Social impact assessment (SIA) has become a key factor for environmental conflicts prevention, which makes necessary to integrate SIA and environmental conflict analysis (ECA). In this article, we integrate SIA and ECA using a method based on grey systems and Shannon entropy. A case study was conducted on a hydrocarbon exploration project located in the Sea of the Gulf of Valencia, Spain. Four stakeholder groups and four evaluation criteria were identified. The results revealed that for group of specialists the project would have negative social impact; and contrary perceptions were found between the group ofprimary activities populationand the group of retirees. It was also noted that the criteria most likely to generate environmental conflicts were the percentage of unemployment and the GDP per capita. These results could help central and community governments to make the best decision on the project. The method showed interesting results and could be apply to manage other projects or programs from point of view of social factors.