What is YESAB?

The Yukon Territory has a unique environmental assessment process that is carried out by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB).

It replaces federal environmental assessments and is much more expansive, transparent, and publicly accessible compared to provincial assessment processes.

YESAB was established under YESAA, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, a provision of Chapter 12 of the Umbrella Final Agreement, as an independent, non-governmental body.

A detailed explanation of the YESAB process, its history, and how you can get involved can be found at
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3b2f70ff67564414994f1bb60df5e363

The Assessment Process

YESAB's assessment process considers how a proposed project could affect the area's natural and socio-economic conditions. In many cases, it relies on public comments to determine what is important to consider. Once YESAB gathers comprehensive information and completes the assessment process, it issues a recommendation to the relevant Decision Body.

YESAB has no final say in the decision made.

YESAB operates independently from any government entity and does not make final decisions regarding proposed projects; this is the role of the Decision Body, usually the territorial government, but in some cases, the federal government or First Nation government(s) has authority.

Levels of Assessment

YESAB has three levels of assessment that are applied depending on the size, complexity and potential impact of each project:

Designated Office (DO) Evaluation
The majority of assessments (over 99%) are conducted independently by the office in the district where the project is taking place.

Executive Committee (EC) Screening
A committee made up of the Chair of YESAB and two YESAB executive committee members assesses larger, more complex projects, or projects the DO cannot fully assess. EC screenings include two stages of public comment.

Panel of the Board Review
The highest level of assessment, triggered by the potential for significant adverse impacts, the use of controversial technology, and major public concern about large projects. So far, only one project has reached this level — the proposed Casino Mine.

Factors Considered in Assessment

There are five technical factors that YESAB uses to assess the impacts of a project, called the Effects Characterization Criteria (ECC):

Magnitude
The extent of change from baseline conditions. Can include metrics like hectares of habitat loss or impacts to heritage sites

Likelihood
The probability that adverse effects will occur

Geographic Extent
The land area where the effects of a project are noticeable, often larger than the project itself

Duration, Frequency, and Timing
When an effect will occur, and for how long and how often

Reversibility
Whether an adverse effect is permanent or can return to baseline conditions.

YESAB also considers physical, cultural, and economic values, called Valued Environmental and Socio-Economic Components (VESECs), that could be negatively impacted by a proposed project. YESAB determines how VESECs may be affected and how to conserve them.

Public comments describing concerns about VESECs are an essential part of YESAB’s process and are considered when composing its recommendations.

Importance of Public Comments

Anyone, regardless of age or educational background, can submit comments on a project proposal.
This is a crucial part of the YESAB assessment process.

Each proposed project could have many different impacts or VESECs. Below, you'll find some categories and related questions to ask yourself when considering which Valued Environmental and Socio-Economic Components are affected by a proposal and how these impact you:

Personal Connection

Why is this area important to you?
How might the proposed project negatively impact or change this area now and for future generations?
Do you have suggestions for reducing these impacts?
Ultimately, do you think the proposed project should be accepted, varied, or rejected?

Socio-economic Issues

Have the affected First Nation(s) approved this project?
What steps are being taken to protect Indigenous women and girls in relation to this project?
Could this project increase or reduce the risk of gender-based violence in the area?
What measures will be in place to address potential issues of systemic violence or discrimination related to this project?

Cultural Issues

What steps are being taken to respect, protect and preserve First Nation Heritage Sites in the area?
Are there any important plants in the project area that are used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes?
How might this development impact current recreational activities like hiking, biking, and camping?

Environmental Issues

How will the proposed project impact local wildlife and their habitats?
Could this development threaten any specific species, especially species at risk?
How will the project affect water quality in nearby rivers and streams?
What impact will the project have on greenhouse gas emissions?
What safety measures are being implemented to manage and reduce risks associated with the use of toxic chemicals, such as cyanide?

YCS & YESAB

YCS has been a significant contributor to YESAB since the establishment of the assessment process. We regularly comment on project proposals through the YESAB Online Registry, raising concerns about disruptions to healthy ecosystems and unsustainable industrial practices.

The current climate and ecological crises demand that potential development be critically examined and that adverse environmental impacts be mitigated or eliminated.

YCS is always eager to share its expertise to protect the future of the Yukon and the planet, and YESAB is one way it does so.

A full explanation of YESAB, its history, and its process can be found on YCS's interactive story map at
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3b2f70ff67564414994f1bb60df5e363

We invite you to review the sources below to learn more about YESAB and how you can get involved.