Strategic Environmental Assessment Research Articles

Consideration of risks to people and the environment related to accidents on natural gas transmission pipelines in LUP and SEA processes in Poland

ABSTRACT This study concerned the integration of gas pipeline safety issue into the LUP (Land Use Planning) and SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) processes in Poland. It focused on the early stage of natural gas transmission pipeline localisation, i.e. the preparation of land use development plans (the plans) and accompanying SEA documents. It aimed to analyse a set of selected plans and SEA documents taking into account risks to people and the environment resulting from accidents on gas pipelines. The results of the analysis showed that although the Polish legislation defining the content of these documents does not explicitly refer to these risks, they are included, but to a limited extent, in the documents examined. It is proposed to modify the EU and Polish legislation for the control of major accident hazards on gas pipelines. In particular, in addition to the generic-distances approach currently used in Poland for maintaining the separation distances between the gas pipeline and other buildings it is suggested to introduce a risk-based approach to support LUP decisions near gas pipelines in Poland.

A synthesis of a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of strategic environmental assessment between Ireland and Scotland applied to Brazil

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) aims to facilitate both integration and assessment of opportunities and threats for action strategies within the framework of sustainable development. Its stages comprise Screening, which analyzes its need, Scoping, which establishes the range of environmental issues to be covered, Analysis, in which the Environmental Report is prepared, Decision-Making, Follow-up, in which both Monitoring and Follow-up of the assessment are conducted, and finally Consultation. Three types of effectiveness approaches, namely procedural effectiveness, substantive effectiveness, and transactional effectiveness can be identified. This article addresses the effectiveness of SEA in Brazil, Ireland, and Scotland through a comparative analysis, since it enables rich discussions on the subject.

Environmental Assessment of Onshore Wind Energy Plans in Germany and Scotland: A Procedural Compliance with Respect to Integration of Climate Change Impacts

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) provides an opportunity to integrate climate change issues into renewable energy plans to mitigate the effects of climate change. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the extent to which climate change issues are incorporated into SEAs of onshore wind energy plans in Germany and Scotland. To achieve our objective, we employed a modified version of the Lee and Colley review package to analyse SEA reports. The combined results of our analysis show that 49% and approximately 45% of the overall tasks performed in all the review areas in terms of climate change integration in the documents reviewed were considered satisfactory for Germany and Scotland, respectively. In order to effectively consider the climate change impacts in SEAs and to efficiently plan for onshore wind energy development, due consideration should be given to the adoption of diverse methodological approaches and models of climate change.

SEA and EIA: uncertain boundaries in Spain

ABSTRACT Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of policies, plans and programmes allow environmental aspects to be incorporated into decision-making. The literature and regulations sometimes present SEA and EIA as isolated silos, but in practice there are intermediate approaches. This paper discusses a number of case studies where the application of EIA and SEA is conceptually unclear, although legally appropriate. The application of SEA or EIA depends in practice on the name of the planning document used, rather than its strategic character, with non-strategic SEAs and strategic EIAs due to a mismatch between planning and EA. The gradual transition between SEA and EIA makes it advisable to establish similar administrative procedures, as well as a common screening stage to determine not only whether or not the proposal should be subject to EA, but also the most appropriate approach. More than one EA process may be necessary throughout the planning cycle, requiring effective tiering. The regulations should define what is considered strategic, and regulate the tiering between SEA and EIA processes.

Maritime spatial plans as an object of the right of access to information

This paper examines maritime spatial planning (MSP) from the perspective of transboundary interaction in the context of the public right of access to environmental information while considering digitisation possibilities. In addition to a theoretical approach, the paper contains an empirical part. The paper presents the background characterising the genesis of MSP in the European Union and its transboundary nature. Following a literature review, the paper offers a characterisation of the right of access to environmental information in the context of MSP transboundary interaction. The empirical part clarifies the availability of basic MSP documentation, namely maritime spatial plans, their cartographic format, and strategic environmental assessments in practice, based partly on communication with the national MSP authorities of the European Union’s coastal Member States. The main finding relates to the need to look for approaches offered in the framework of the paper to ensure the digital distribution of basic official MSP information in the context of transboundary interaction in line with the right of access to environmental information in the pertinent legislation and soft law instruments at the international, regional and national levels.

Strategic environmental assessment in Palu Central Sulawesi reflecting water provision profile based on ecosystem services

Reconciling development activities with Natural resources conservation has become one of the essential elements in the search for sustainable development. The degradation of Natural resources attributed to human activities through development increase rapidly. This trend is exacerbated by policies encouraging land conversion and natural resource overexploitation, as well as a need for more information about the value of natural resource conservation. Consequently, it can alter the ecosystem and change the natural resources and their functions. Protecting natural resources begins with policymaking, followed by development plans and programs. In this study, describe how the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a safeguarding tool for controlling natural resource loss in Palu City, Central Sulawesi. Natural resources are one of the vital aspects to be considered in SEA. Development in the central city, opening the land for agriculture on a large scale (plantation), and mining were the main issues that contributed to high risk to the natural resources. Regional development plans and programs assess by predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the environmental impact produced by the development. Our study found that the involvement of multi-stakeholders, Government, legislative, universities, social communities, and nongovernmental organizations successfully collected strategic development goal issues related to natural resources conditions in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Assessment of the plans and programs of development that will contribute to the mitigation of natural resource degradation and decide alternative recommendations for regional development plans and programs. This study demonstrates the integration of SEA in controlling natural resource degradation due to development.

Agriculture land resources protection through strategic environmental assessment: Case study in Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi-Indonesia

Linking development activities with the conservation of food land resources has become a very important issue in sustainable development. However, the facts show that the damage or loss of food land resources continues even at an increasing rate. This trend is further exacerbated by policies on land conversion and over-exploitation of natural resources, as well as the absence of information on the importance of the land. Consequently, there will be changes in the ecosystem and the optimal function of the land. Protection of food and land resources must start with policy-making and be followed by development program planning. The problem of this research is how the conversion of agricultural land into residential areas and shrimp pond areas in Parigi Moutong Regency, describes how the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as an instrument of protection of agricultural land resources in Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi. Agricultural land resources are one of the important aspects of the food security program that should be considered in SEA. The development of urban centers or expansion of settlements and large-scale land clearing for plantations or mining often harm food land resources. Therefore, development plans and programs must be properly designed through prediction, evaluation, and mitigation of possible negative impacts. This research found that the involvement of stakeholders such as; local government, council members, academics, businesses, and NGOs as well as the community can generate some issues and strategies related to the loss or damage of agricultural land resources due to development activities and design alternative recommendations for improvement in Parigi Moutong District.

Governing the nexus: Water-energy-food nexus governance strategies in Ghana and Uganda

The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus has emerged as a promising approach to achieving water, energy, and food security in an integrated manner in pursuit of sustainable development. Its governance is however a multisectoral, multistakeholder, and multilevel coordination challenge that is still elusive. Little agreement on what constitutes ‘successful’ WEF governance compound the challenge. This paper synthesizes normative, institutional, and procedural potential success factors or indicators from the WEF and other integrative environmental governance (IEG) literature and applies them to analyze the WEF nexus governance strategies of Ghana and Uganda. Literature review, key informant interviews, and stakeholder workshops were used to collect data. The results indicate that constitutional provisions and political commitment provide impetus for integrative WEF policies and legislations, yet long-term development plans rarely reflect the envisaged WEF integration. While WEF nexus thinking is still relatively poor in sectoral documents, the water sector is much ahead due to its dalliance with integrated water resources management (IWRM). Coordinating mechanisms such as intersectoral agencies, joint planning, enhanced communication, participation, and use of ex-ante assessments such as strategic environmental assessment (SEA) emerge as important success factors. However, political will and tradition is sometimes more effective than command and control policy tools. Ultimately, what works best depends on specific contexts, histories, and political economy. For broader adoption and application, introduction of integrative concepts in energy and food sectors, deliberate and active pursuit of WEF nexus integration across government, and involvement of all key WEF stakeholders is crucial. Such efforts can benefit greatly from the WEF nexus governance assessment indicators synthesized and applied in this study. Assessment of the participation and influence of key stakeholder groups, effectiveness of specific policy tools, and WEF nexus capacity needs are areas for future research.

An analysis approach for building collapse accident using system thinking approach and SEA model

The frequent occurrence of building collapse accidents not only causes significant casualties, but also jeopardizes local economies. This paper adopts a combinatory assessment approach to showcase the lessons learned from a recent building collapse in Changsha, China. The proposed approach blends the system thinking approach and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) model. It delineates the causes of collapse and provide key leverage points for safety management. The results show that the primary causes for the collapse are the poor construction quality, illegal alterations, and lack of regulations enforcement. The management of rural housing construction in Hunan Province achieved a total score of 4 out of 30. It was also determined that the key prevention measures for abating these deleterious phenomena involve ensuring quality assurance/quality control, efficiently assessing safety risk, and timely performing structural health monitoring. This study is bound to enhance the understanding of collapse accidents and foster the achievement of sustainable cities and communities.

Pathways for improving the consideration of ecological connectivity in environmental assessment: lessons from five case studies

ABSTRACT Case studies can highlight opportunities for mainstreaming connectivity into environmental assessment (EA) and reveal relevant conditions for success or failure. We examined five cases from Canada, Spain, Sweden, and the UK to address three questions: (1) What are major challenges? (2) What are relevant opportunities and lessons learnt? (3) What research directions should be promoted? We identified 15 challenges and 19 lessons that can help improve connectivity consideration. Common challenges include i) late consideration; ii) lack of resources; iii) lack of explicit requirements; iv) lack of guidance; v) limited recognition of the importance of connectivity; and vi) absence of a landscape-scale perspective. Lessons learnt include the need for rooting connectivity assessments in scientific knowledge and for considering multiple scales of analysis. The findings revealed multiple pathways that can lead to inclusion of connectivity, such as the involvement of knowledgeable EA practitioners, and governments providing a supportive framework. The findings can be applied to advance connectivity assessments in EA, emphasizing the need for guidance and the role of cumulative effects assessment and strategic environmental assessment.

Evaluation of Development Policy through Water Environmental Carrying Capacity Analysis in North Kendeng Mountain, Indonesia

North Kendeng Mountain has abundant limestone that can potentially be utilized for cement material, cosmetics, paint, and other commercial products. This area also provides water resource storage widely utilized for household use and crop irrigation for local people. This condition has sparked conflict between the government and investors on one side with local people and academicians on the other side. The government and investors, prefer this area for commercial uses while the cons prefer for conservation area. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the North Kendeng ecosystem found that spatial planning and mid-term development planning by the provincial government and related regency governments are oriented toward natural resources utilization and prioritize the area for mining. This paper analyses water environmental carrying capacity implications if the government’s policy and planning are implemented. The type of research is descriptive analysis. The data collection techniques include informal interviews, observation, and literature review. The qualitative data on the development policies are analyzed with content analysis technique including descriptive, interpretative, and explanative. The comparison analysis also conducted to understand the interaction between proposed development activities and the existing environmental condition based on water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) result, and to analyze policy orientation on North Kendeng Mountain Area. After comparing the water demand and availabilityboth with and without government’s policy, this study found that condition of water environmental carrying capacity comparing the demand and availability both with and without policy and planning are deficit for all regencies, except Lamongan regency. This development policy potentially worsens water deficit for all regencies. Therefore, it is suggested that revising the policy and updating the planning are required to achieve sustainable utilization of the North Kendeng Mountain Area.

A review of the quality of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) reports in Botswana

ABSTRACT Botswana recently introduced strategic environmental assessment (SEA) into her national environmental management framework and the SEA approach used in is anchored on the South African approach which is reported defective where it originates. Furthermore, there is a dearth of literature on the performance of SEA in Botswana. In response, this paper studies the quality of SEAs of three of Botswana’s development plans, prepared between 2011 and 2018. The study employs European SEA Directive-based SEA report quality review package. Findings demonstrate that SEA practice in Botswana is generally satisfactory albeit with some critical challenges. Shortcomings relate to the description of the baseline environment; the listing of baseline documents; the identification of problems relating to, and effects of proposed plan on areas of ecological significance; evaluation of secondary, cumulative, and synergistic effects; the elaboration of various properties of effects; consideration given to effects on various sustainability receptors and health implications; the conduct of SEA following applicable national SEA frameworks; the uncertain effects of public participation and SEA on proposed plan; and, the description of how developed monitoring arrangements can be used to reduce duplication of efforts between SEA and EIA.

Addressing the Ocean-Climate Nexus in the BBNJ Agreement: Strategic Environmental Assessments, Human Rights and Equity in Ocean Science

Abstract The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) opens a new path in international law towards addressing issues at the ocean-climate nexus, as well as considering implications for the protection of human rights and achieving equity among States in the context of ocean knowledge production and environmental management. Based on an interdisciplinary reflection, the new international obligations on strategic environmental assessments (SEAs), and new institutional arrangements, are identified as crucial avenues to addressing climate change mitigation and ensuring fair research partnerships, mutual capacity-building and technology co-development between the Global North and South. SEAs can also support integrated implementation of other parts of the BBNJ Agreement and contribute to the broader effectiveness of the general provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the protection of the marine environment, within and beyond national jurisdiction.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Iranian rice: a dietary health risk assessment study.

In the present study, six potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), were determined in 41 domestic rice samples collected from Tehran using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry). The mean concentration of Cd, As, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Ni was found as 0.014 ± 0.01, 0.018 ± 0.005, 2.15 ± 1.84, 0.42 ± 0.31, 0.1 ± 0.16, and 0.48 ± 0.36 mg kg-1, respectively. Possible risks due to ingestion of PTEs via rice consumption for children and adults were assessed by Monte Carlo simulation. The 50th percentile of estimated Cr intake for children through domestic rice consumption exceeded the maximum tolerable daily intake. There was only a potential non-carcinogenic risk for single Cr exposure for children. The 95th percentile of the estimated hazard index (HI) for children and adults was 4.34 and 1.05, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic risk related to multiple PTE exposure. The lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values derived from Cr, Ni, As, and Cd exposure exceeded the threshold value, indicating a carcinogenic risk due to PTEs' exposure. The deterministic assessment demonstrates that the Tehran population may be at risk through domestic rice consumption. This study indicates that risk related to the exposure to multiple PTEs through the consumption of rice in adults and children in Tehran is recognized as an important issue, thus supporting the importance of cumulative analysis of the risk of exposure to PTEs through food. Finally, national strategic environmental assessment and technological solutions for monitoring and protecting freshwater, soil, waste management, and chemicals as a global concern policy are needed for public health.

Framework for the application of ecosystem services based urban ecological carrying capacity assessment in the urban decision-making process

Urban Ecological Carrying Capacity (UECC) is widely studied as a comprehensive measure of urban ecology. Several tools, like an ecological footprint, comprehensive index system, system dynamic models, etc., are used to study UECC. In recent times, ecosystem services (ES) have been applied in analyzing carrying capacity to promote sustainable development. ES-based analysis helps study supply-demand mismatches, identify dependencies on natural systems, and understand trade-offs between strategic plans. The ES approach effectively scopes prioritized services, collects baseline data, makes choices between alternatives, and studies cumulative impacts. However, the lack of application-oriented frameworks hinders the mainstreaming of ES in urban planning. Therefore, the study proposes a framework for using ES-based UECC assessment in urban decision-making. It employs a two-stage methodology: first, a bibliometric analysis of UECC to identify knowledge gaps and trends, and second, the development of a framework for the application of ES based UECC in urban decision-making process based on the gaps identified from bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric results reveal that further research is needed to strengthen the link between ES and UECC. ES provides a comprehensive framework that includes cultural and social subsystems, enhancing the practicality and comprehensiveness of carrying capacity assessments. Based on the literature review Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is identified as the tool that facilitates the entry of ES in the urban decision-making process. The main aim of the framework is to combine the ES cascade model, SEA, and carrying capacity to establish a comprehensive and practical approach to decision-making that promotes sustainable urban development. The proposed framework considers various aspects, including its environment, societal requirements, and resource constraints. The ES-based UECC concept can be extended to define limits to urban growth for ensuring the sustainable development of urban settlements.

Exploring alternatives for a low-carbon future: cases of strategic environmental assessment from Tanzania

PurposeThis study seeks to offer empirical insights into the role of alternatives analysis within strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in implementing low-carbon development (LCD) as part of Tanzania's efforts to tackle climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe study design is cross-sectional multi-case. It draws on six SEA cases from Tanzania. Data were collected from SEA reports and subsequently analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The analysis framework was derived from the best practice literature and focused on determining whether and how alternatives were identified, assessed and selected and where and how LCD aspects were included.FindingsThe findings reveal that the practice of alternatives analysis is generally weak and varied. Gaps identified include neglect of alternatives, lack of transparency, a focus on mitigating harm, lack of inclusiveness and partial integration of LCD considerations.Practical implicationsMany countries are still developing their SEA systems, which requires building on local experience and adapting to local circumstances. Tanzanian SEA practitioners appear to place little weight on alternatives analysis and perform SEA using outdated, impact-based approaches. The study outlines policy recommendations for working more effectively with alternatives in Tanzania and comparable contexts.Originality/valueThere is a noticeable lack of scholarly emphasis on SEA processes that effectively identify, evaluate and select alternatives aligned with explicit societal values and concerns. This study focuses on the alternatives analysis stage, offering novel insights into the potential for constructing a desirable, low-carbon future. The cases studied show that an LCD-focused analysis is feasible and can be improved with the right theoretical and methodological approaches.

Marine Biodiversity Management under the UNCLOS: Scope and Challenges in the era of blue Economy Policy

Developing a governance framework for marine biodiversity, explicitly to Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) is crucial for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. Addressing the challenge of protecting biodiversity in the global ocean requires a sound knowledge and understanding of the complex marine environment with a sound support for ocean governance, including data development and expert consultation, that could also contribute to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for the proposed 2021–2030 Sustainable Development. Future challenges include capacity building and new approaches to incorporate traditional knowledge. Even though the CBD framework put forward a legal framework for the governance of biological diversity from within national jurisdiction, but the issue of biodiversity governance from beyond national jurisdictions remained unaddressed. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) framework leaves behind the marine scientific research activities under the ‘freedom of high seas’ regime, but the international community has become increasingly aware of the growing threats to marine biodiversity in ABNJ and been conferring alternatives to conserve and sustainably use it. UNCLOS proposes to promote sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources especially marine mammals and highly migratory species but specifically silent on marine genetic resources and promotion of marine scientific research in ABNJ for the efficient utilization of resources. UNCLOS lacks modern conservation principles (such as the ecosystem approach and precautionary principle) and conservation tools (such as strategic environmental assessments and marine spatial planning) that is part of achieving sustainable development goals. This paper aims to do critical study of UNCLOS provisions and the international legal principles and economical concepts to bring a balance between competing values, perspectives and interests in the conservation and sustainable governance of marine biodiversity is aimed through this paper.

The prospects for legislating a national biodiversity assessment mechanism

In order to legislate and establish the biodiversity assessment mechanism, the provisions of Article 6 para. (3) and (4) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, published in the Official Journal of the European Union L 206 of 22 July 1992. Amendments to the legal framework aimed at introducing the legal mechanism for biodiversity assessment were made by Law No 225/2022 in force from 04.11.2023 and Law No 226/2022 in force from 21.10.2023. The key aspects of the amendments related to the biodiversity assessment mechanism are: 1) the definition of „biodiversity assessment”; 2) the scope of the biodiversity assessment mechanism; 3) the link between the biodiversity assessment mechanism and the environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment mechanisms. The study aims to analyse these amendments and to outline the prospects for the establishment of a national biodiversity assessment mechanism.

The impact of construction on the environment - the European experience of normative and legal regulation in Ukraine

Construction is a sector of the economy that directly affects the ecology, changing existing ecosystems and creating a new modified environment, which leads to the transformation of the existing one. Taking into account the importance that the implementation of construction projects has for the successful transformation of the environment, the study of factors of influence, design and other activities of construction participants on the environment, the development of systems for assessing such effects and their implementation in practical activities remains an extremely urgent task. The article examines the regulatory and legal documents of the EU regarding the regulation of the ecological consequences of the impact of construction on the environment, and also systematizes the directions of the impact of construction on the environment. Construction has a significant negative impact on the environment, which is accompanied by the transformation of ecosystems, fragmentation of landscapes, during drilling and blasting, construction of pits and trenches, felling of forests and bushes, pollution of the atmosphere, territories and water areas adjacent to the construction, and noise pollution, damage to the soil layer and washing away pollution from the construction site, the formation of construction waste dumps, etc. That is why the planning, construction and operation of construction sites must be carried out in accordance with environmental standards, and the standards themselves should ensure the minimization of the impact of networks on the environment. Therefore, it is important to improve the existing methods of assessing environmental risks, to form criteria and an assessment mechanism, as well as to bring the Ukrainian legislative and regulatory framework closer to the European one.
 The features and differences of the preparation of the following documents are determined: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as well as the advantages of using environmental product declarations (EPD) used in the EU in construction as a means of communicating transparent and standardized information about the environmental performance of products, are based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and comply with standards such as ISO 14025. By implementing mandatory and voluntary environmental standards and green building practices, enterprises in the construction sector will be able to play a key role in reducing the impact on the environment environment.

Cumulative effects of offshore renewables: From pragmatic policies to holistic marine spatial planning tools

To alleviate climate change consequences, the UK government is pioneering offshore renewable energy developments at an ever-increasing pace. The North Sea is a dynamic ecosystem with strong bottom-up/top-down natural and anthropogenic drivers facing rapid climate change impacts. To ensure the compatibility of such large-scale developments with nature conservation obligations, regulatory processes set out that all effects need to be evaluated through cumulative impact assessments (CIA). However, by excluding climate change impacts and bottom-up effects of renewable developments, the CIA lacks spatio-temporal baselines linking oceanic ecosystem indicators to population dynamics, leading to uncertain predictions at population levels. CIA is currently required in Europe under the Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), suggesting that these two policy areas should be more closely aligned. This study presents an overview of the current CIA policy framework, enabling an ecosystem-based approach linking lower ecosystem components to top-predator populations using the UK as a case study. At the UK level, CIA requirements mirror the EU ones under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, the UK Marine Policy Statement, and the UK National Policy Statement. Firstly, we show how CIA and MSFD requirements are integrated into the UK licensing and maritime planning frameworks. Secondly, we provide policy pathways embedding the MSFD as a baseline for CIAs with European and UK regulations. Thirdly, we propose a framework encompassing a shared monitoring effort, an ecosystem modelling approach connected with two existing online databases supported with funds from Contracts for Difference. This integrated approach will enable a holistic and pragmatic ecosystem-based framework for more accurate and rapid methods for producing CIAs for offshore renewable energy developments.