Robin Sydneysmith

Background

About Robin Sydneysmith

I apply my expertise to help local communities and proponents build trust and understanding to support responsible and sustainable resource development. I am based in Vancouver, BC and possess over 25 years of experience in applied research, community engagement, project management, and higher education. A consistent focus in my work is the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of resource management and environmental change. I help clients address social risks and improve the social performance of their projects. I have worked in the private, academic, and NGO sectors and have extensive experience working with First Nations, community leaders, regulators, industry, policymakers, and NGOs. I am well versed in all stages of project development, implementation and completion. I have led community and Indigenous engagement workshops for various resource development projects in northwest BC and was lead author on the first Economic, Social and Cultural Impact Assessments carried out under the Nisga’a Final Agreement. I also work directly with First Nations on projects such as developing social impact assessment guidelines and implementing social and economic monitoring and management actions. I have an excellent understanding of BC and Canadian regulatory contexts and the strategic importance and legal underpinnings of Indigenous consultation and engagement. I have worked with international standards and frameworks such as the IFC (International Finance Corporation) Performance Standards; recently using these to develop a comprehensive social management system for a Canadian based client. At UBC my research was applied and interdisciplinary. I delivered numerous workshops and co-led two federally commissioned reports on climate change impacts and adaptation. My teaching explored the interactions of society, development, natural resources, indigenous peoples, and the environment in developed and developing economies.