Environmental Sustainability and Aboriginal Participation in Sustainable Development
Environmental sustainability continues to be a major concern. Indeed, research has been done to determine how corporations might ensure compliance with the issue of environmental sustainability. The paper, in particular, assesses Aboriginal participation and engagement in issues of sustainable development. The paper is focused on two research areas: negotiated agreements known as Impact and Benefit Agreements and Environmental Impact Assessment. The purpose of the analysis is to undertake a critical reflection on the article’s approach, key arguments, strengths, and shortcomings. The scholarly assessment is critical in offering a broader perspective of the article and will enhance the overall comprehension of the article.
Methodology
The researcher utilized the multi-method approach in conducting the study. Indeed, the approach is instrumental in ensuring that one gets a broader perspective of the issue under study. In particular, the researcher resorted to conducting an interview among the key stakeholders such as environmental consultants involved in both the Impact and Benefits Agreement and the Environmental Impact Assessment. Indeed, the approach is essential since it provides a broader overview of the topic with regard to the concept of participation of the Aboriginals in the mining activity. Furthermore, the researcher has been particular with the choice of the case study which makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive analysis. Indeed, the methodology adopted by Fidler (2010) is intensive and broad to cover the central areas which lead to the attainment of the understanding of the participation of the Aboriginals in the concept of environmental sustainability. Finally, the researcher has provided a reason as to why he is choosing a particular case study. In essence, it facilitates the understanding of the article in-depth since the methodology is comprehensive.
Author’s Main Argument
Indeed, the author confirms the fundamental role of the negotiated agreements that exist between the Aboriginal people and the different mining proponents. The cooperation between the individuals is critical since it promotes efforts that aim at ensuring environmental sustainability. In addition, the author asserts that there is a significant impact of improved engagement between the different stakeholders to achieve a sustainable mineral development. In particular, the author confirms that a healthy relationship between the key stakeholders including the Aboriginal group, Crown, and industry is vital in ensuring the attainment of the concept of environmental sustainability.
Further, the author acknowledges the importance of early engagement in ensuring that a solution is achieved toward the impasse on the issue of sustainability. Indeed, the timely coordination of efforts leading to the concept of sustainability with regard to mining is critical in achieving the identified goals. Overall, the author concludes that the partnership between crucial stakeholders including Tahltan Nation, NovaGold and the community affected is vital in promoting the concept of proper land use with regard to the issue of mining. Thus, the author offers fundamental insight as to the issue of the role of the Aboriginal group in ensuring implementation of environmental sustainability.
Strength
The author has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Indeed, there has been a logical flow of ideas that has enabled the reader to gain a broader understanding of the topic in question. The article has followed a sequential approach where the author has introduced the topic, provided background information, an elaborate methodology, and concluding remarks regarding the subject under study. Further, the author has explained key terms which facilitate the understanding of the subject. For example, there is the issue of the different stakeholders involved in the process of mining. The author has been able to explain the roles of each partner in the agreement and the impact they have with regard to the issue of environmental sustainability following the mining process. Further, the paper has been able to provide a connection to the topic and the final concluding remarks which help in enhancing the understanding of the reader.
Weakness
The first issue that presents itself regards the concept of the topic. In the primary document, the author is seen bringing in the idea of the environmental impact assessment. I believe it could have been prudent for the author to have a mention of the same since it was mainly reported in the article. The decision to bring in the idea of environmental impact assessment in the middle of the article may confuse the readers. Thus, the author could have mentioned the issue since it could promote the focus of the reader. Indeed, the concept of environmental impact assessment has also not been mentioned in the abstract which further confuses the reader.
Conclusion
Overall, the author has done well with regard to the topic in question. In particular, the ability to provide a logical flow of ideas through the paper is a manifestation of articulacy on the part of the author. The reader is able to grasp the topic and gain an understanding of the issue of sustainability with regard to the mining processes.
References
Fidler, C. (2010). Increasing the sustainability of a resource development: Aboriginal engagement and negotiated agreements. Environment, Development, and Sustainability, 12(2) pp. 233-244. Springer Netherlands.
