scholarly journals Strategies for Dealing with Uncertainties in Strategic Environmental Assessment: An Analytical Framework Illustrated with Case Studies from The Netherlands

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maartje Bodde ◽  
Karin van der Wel ◽  
Peter Driessen ◽  
Arjan Wardekker ◽  
Hens Runhaar
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Multiple Strategies ◽  
Policy Tool ◽  
Aid Decision

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a widely applied policy tool that aims to aid decision-makers in making informed, higher-quality decisions that minimize negative environmental impacts. However, different types of uncertainties complicate the ex ante assessment of environmental impacts. Literature suggests uncertainties are often not well addressed, resulting in inaccurate and even unreliable SEAs. At the same time, SEA literature offers limited guidance in how to systematically identify and deal with uncertainties. Therefore, in this paper, we present an analytical framework for characterizing and classifying different forms of uncertainty in SEA, and for identifying strategies for dealing with these uncertainties. The framework is based on literature on uncertainties in other subdomains of the environmental sciences. The framework is applied to five case studies of SEAs for spatial planning in The Netherlands in order to illustrate and critically reflect on our framework, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Based on these case studies we concluded the following: (1) The framework is useful for identifying uncertainties in SEA in a systematic way; (2) There is a discrepancy between how uncertainties are dealt with in theory and in practice; (3) In practice, uncertainties seem to be dealt with in a rather implicit way. The framework may help dealing with uncertainties more systematically and more proactively; (4) The most successful way of coping with uncertainties seems to be the application of multiple strategies.

BIODIVERSITY IN SEA FOR SPATIAL PLANS — EXPERIENCES FROM THE NETHERLANDS

2005 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 267-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
AREND KOLHOFF ◽  
ROEL SLOOTWEG
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Spatial Plan ◽  
The Way ◽  
Multiple Interventions

This paper provides an overview of the way biodiversity issues are dealt with in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for spatial plans in the Netherlands. Spatial plans are selected as subject of study because 50 percent of all SEA studies executed in the Netherlands are carried out for spatial plans. Secondly, these plans provide an overarching framework for multiple interventions with potential impacts on biodiversity. It is, therefore, important to pay particular attention to biodiversity at the strategic level of a spatial plan. The evaluation is based on five spatial plans that have been subject to SEA, two national plans, two provincial plans and one local plan. Based on these assessments a number of conclusions are presented on the assessment of biodiversity in SEA for spatial plans in the Netherlands. The evaluation of case studies on which this paper is based was undertaken to produce a submission to the Convention on Biological Diversity for the drafting of international guidelines on biodiversity in SEA.

HAVING AN IMPACT? CONTEXT ELEMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SEA APPLICATION IN TRANSPORT POLICY, PLAN AND PROGRAMME MAKING

2005 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 407-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS B. FISCHER
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Transport Policy ◽  
Formal Requirements ◽  
Willingness To Cooperate ◽  
Value Frames

This paper argues that in order for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to be effectively applied in transport policy, plan and programme making, the existence of certain context elements is essential. However, currently, these are only partly in place. Elements revolve around formal requirements and clear provisions for SEA, the existence of transparent and consistent value frames, the consideration of traditional decision making approaches, systematic tiering, a willingness to cooperate, an acknowledgement of uncertainties and appropriate funding, time as well as support. Focusing on transport case studies from the Netherlands, Finland, Germany and the U.K., the paper provides some empirical evidence for the importance of these context elements.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN SRI LANKA: ITS STATUS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

2001 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 209-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAMIE MACKEE ◽  
JEFFREY OBBARD ◽  
CLIVE BRIFFETT
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Skilled Personnel ◽  
Baseline Information

Sri Lanka is an island republic situated off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. It has a long and continuous recorded history dating back approximately 2,500 years, and claims to have one of the oldest nature reserves in the world. However, Environmental Assessment (EA) in the country has a much shorter history. This can be traced back to the early eighties and the dramatic change in economic policies when initial legislation was enacted. The final three amendments to this legislation making EAs mandatory came into force in 1993, although there were some EIAs predating this legislation that were voluntary and prepared for large infrastructure projects. Since then, a number of EAs and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) have been prepared for a wide variety of projects with varying degrees of success. Despite this, the natural environment is still undergoing rapid deterioration, while proper implementation of good EIA practice is still needed. The research presented in this paper, which is part of a larger study on implementation of EA and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Asia, discusses the current status of environmental assessment in Sri Lanka based on information collected from field visits and interviews, as well as published and unpublished data. EA practices are discussed in the context of investigating the potential for introducing the process of SEA in Sri Lanka. Two case studies demonstrate the consideration of environmental issues in the development of strategic sectoral policies programmes and plans. These case studies highlight the potential benefits of an effective SEA strategy in Sri Lanka, as well as identifying some of the weaknesses in the current EA system within the country. Findings from the study suggest that rapid industrialisation combined with poor monitoring, a dearth of technically skilled personnel, the lack of baseline information and the continuing protracted civil war are key factors restricting the successful implementation of the EA process. It is from this perspective that the paper looks at the possible role that SEA may play in overcoming the failings of EA.

Case Studies of Strategic Environmental Assessment on Urban or Regional Comprehensive Plans in China

2012 ◽  
Vol 253-255 ◽  
pp. 1102-1106
Author(s):  
Li Li Tian
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Linkage Mechanism ◽  
Governance Capacity ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
Regional Sustainable Development ◽  
Comprehensive Plans

In order to achieve urban and regional sustainable development, many strategic environmental assessment (SEA) practices for urban or regional comprehensive plans were conducted in China. An urban or regional comprehensive plan plays an important role in the planning system of China. Through three case studies, the paper examines how the SEAs incorporate environmental considerations into the urban or regional comprehensive plans in practice, and discusses the experiences and shortcomings. The findings show that support from government agencies, timely interaction with planners, participation of multi-stakeholders, linkage mechanism between SEA and project EIA, and improvement of environmental governance capacity can favor the integration of environment into the comprehensive plans. And more effort should be made to strengthen the general public participation and institutional analysis in the SEA practice in China.

INTEGRATING THE PRINCIPLES OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT INTO LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING

2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 143-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZHENGHONG TANG
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
The United States ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Early Integration ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Study Results

The lack of early integration with the planning and decision-making process has been a major problem in environmental assessment. Traditional project-based environmental impact assessment has inadequate incentives and capacities to incorporate critical environmental impacts at a broader temporal or spatial scale. While many applications have been geared towards implementing project-level environmental assessments, comparatively little research has been done to determine how to incorporate strategically critical environmental impacts into local comprehensive land use planning. Although the principles of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) are not yet required in local comprehensive land use planning in the United States, these principles create a theoretical framework for local environmental assessment. This study builds a theoretical framework for more effectively integrating the principles of strategic environmental assessment into local comprehensive land use plans. The empirical case study results indicate that California local jurisdictions did not fully integrated the SEA principles into their local plans.

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