The purpose of this research is to develop Environmental Impact Statement guidelines for mineral development projects that affect barren-ground caribou in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Canada. This will assist decision-makers and stakeholders to better differentiate development impacts from change due to other factors, and judge the incremental effect of mining projects.

The methods used to develop the guidelines included a literature review of journal articles, legislation and documents governing impact assessment and caribou management. Interviews and two meetings to address caribou impact assessment and monitoring were also carried out. Draft guidelines were circulated for comment prior to being finalized.

The result is an ecosystemic approach to caribou impact assessment. Key findings include a need for collaboration to collect the information identified. The collaborative effort should be led by the territorial governments and supported by all stakeholders including industry. Six recommendations are made to facilitate the implementation of the guidelines.