Strategical Environmental Assessment Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a Strategic Environmental assessment(SEA)?
An SEA is a decision making support tool aimed at incorporating environmental, climate and social considerations into government policies, plans and programmes.
What are the light benefits of SEA?
It is a great tool to make better planning decisions ( environmentally beneficial).
It facilitates collaboration and contribution between the government and public.
Combines analytical methods with input from people
What is the difference between when an SEA is used and when an EIA is used?
SEA is most used in the Policy,plan and programme stage .
EIA is used in the project stage
This implies that an SEA happens way earlier than an EIA and ensures that climate, environmental and social factors are considered in the bedrock of development initiatives
What is the definition of a policy in an SEA?
This is set up to address a challenge or a problem. An eg : the government wants to solve an energy crisis an SEA will evaluate proposed option ( hydropower, solar) examining the impacts of different options on the environment , society and climate.
What is the definition of a plan in terms of SEAs?
A plan is set up to implement a policy and the SEA evaluates said plans and how they might impact the environment l climate and society . An eg: the government chooses hydropower an SEA will evaluate everything that occurs with setting up the hydropower plants land use changes, infrastructure development and resource extraction activities.
What is the definition of a program in terms of SEAs?
These are a set of coordinated projects aimed at achieving set objectives an SEA evaluates these projects to determine their impacts on the environment, climate and society.. Eg : the programme can be to conduct 5 dams in one river basin with potential to produce hydropower an SEA assesses cumulative impacts of multiple dams planned for the river basin in terms of environment, society and climate.
True or false : SEA deals with the question of why, if where (plans and programs) and EIA deals with where and how (projects )
True
How is an SEA performed?
OECD recommends 4 steps:
Establish context
Implement SEA
Inform/Influence decision making
Monitoring
OECD: establish context .
Identify key/relevant authorities required to lead and oversee SEA process.
Screening : determine if an SEA is relevant.
Define objectives and scope: specify spatial and temporal boundaries, budget ,key environmental issues.
Identify and engage stakeholders: affected parties, relevant authorities, etc.
OECD :implementing SEA.
All these are done with consultation
Scoping
Baseline study
Identify and asses environmental impacts
Evaluate alternatives
Analyse the capacity and effectiveness of existing institution in issuing environmental and social safeguards relevant for the PPP
OECD: inform /influence decision making .
Formulate recommendation based on findings of the assessment.
Publish SEA report making it accessible to decision makers, public and stakeholders.
Clear communication to decision makers about key findings and recommendations.
OECD: monitoring
Establish a monitoring program to ensure the implementation of environmental and social considerations and measures in PPP.
Evaluate the SEA process and how effective it was in achieving desired environmental and social outcomes.
Use feedback from evaluation process to inform future SEA procedures.
Thera are three ways of integrating an SEA in a PPP.
Separated /parallel SEA.
Embedded SEA
Iterative SEA
Separated /parallel SEA what is and what are the pros and cons ?
This is when the SEA is done outside of the PPP process without any consultation between the two.
Pros: simpler to organize as both processes are separate
Speedier deck on making process because of less reliance an SEA completion.
Cons:
The environmental and social consideration may be seen as add on sand not taken seriously.
The SEA may not have influence on final decision of PPP as they might finish at the same time.
Embedded SEA what is and what are the pros and cons ?
This SEA is fully incorporated into the PPP process from the onset. (Best option)
Pros
Ensures environmental and social considerations are incorporated in early stages of PPP process.
A more holistic and sustainable approach to development.
Cons
Decision making more complex and slower due to need for extensive collaboration.
Might be resource intensive due to extensive collaboration and training .
Iterative SEA what is and what are the pros and cons ?
This is when the PPP and SEA have ongoing interactions and communications as they are being carried out simultaneously. Allowing for SEA to inform decision processes in PPP and vice versa
Pros
Allows for flexibility in incorporating environmental considerations in PPP identified during SEA.
Promotes collaboration between environmental experts and planners fostering better understanding about environmental considerations and development processes and goals.
Cons:
Can be lengthy due to feedback loops.
Requires strong and efficient communication between both bodies.
What are the implementation tools in SEA
Matrices
Multi-criteria analyses
Trend analysis
Spatial analysis
Calculations and modelling
Expert opinions
Targeted consultation and collective judgement: gathering input from a broader group of stakeholders
What do we want an SEA to do ? What should a good SEA do.
Find sustainable sollutions and alternatives to planning and development challenges.
Inform stakeholders including decision makers and subsequent EIA process.
Influence decision making in PPP process to reduce environmental mistakes and impacts.
Build commitment and trust ; by fostering stakeholder engagement.
Not make mistakes !
Difference between SEA and EIA.
Check graph looking sheet.
What are the Benefits of an SEA?
Makes EIA process more efficient by providing strategic context and identifying key issues.
Improves PPP quality by ensuring inclusion of environmental and social considerations.
Support decision making by providing information on environmental and social considerations.
Builds trust,commitment and prevents conflict through efficient stakeholder engagement.
Prevents costly mistakes.
Addresses cumulative and large scale impacts
