A Framework for Governance of Sustainability Indicator Systems in Strategic Environmental Assessment Processes

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (01) ◽  
pp. 1950007
Author(s):  
Antonio Waldimir Leopoldino da Silva ◽  
Marinilse Netto ◽  
Paulo Maurício Selig ◽  
Alexandre de Ávila Lerípio
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Governance Model ◽  
Innovative Model ◽  
Methodological Procedures ◽  
Indicator Systems

Sustainability indicators (SIs) are considered an important tool in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), but their choice and management present shortcomings and must be improved. This work aimed to develop a governance model of SI systems for SEA. The study was carried out by means of documentary research on SEA reports and interviews with leaders of Brazilian SEA working teams, through the application of Content Analysis. The resulting framework, called G-SINDS, is composed of six phases and three transverse elements. Each phase represents a stage of construction of the SI system, with methodological procedures adaptable to the specificity of each SEA process. The transverse elements are factors that affect each phase, in order to perfect them. The G-SINDS represents an innovative model, since it involves the “life cycle of the indicators”, is directed to the SEA and is based on principles and techniques of knowledge management, constituting a means of improving the execution of SEA processes.

USE OF SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSES CONDUCTED IN BRAZIL

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 1450008 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTONIO WALDIMIR LEOPOLDINO DA SILVA ◽  
PAULO MAURÍCIO SELIG ◽  
HANS MICHAEL VAN BELLEN
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Good Practices

Sustainability indicators (SIs) are important elements in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) processes. By means of Content Analysis, the documentary study underlying this paper aimed to characterise and analyse the use of SIs in the final reports of 32 SEAs conducted in Brazil. The results are that 30 SEAs utilise SIs, aiming to make the baseline of the study (all of them), anticipate and monitor the effects of the plan or program (73.3%), compare scenarios (46.7%) and/or alternatives (26.7%). Reports have shortcomings in addressing the SIs, such as insufficient description of the selection process, no reference to the selection criteria adopted, and the use of vague and poorly formulated SIs, that are often expressed in the form of impact or objective. Other aspects related to SIs are analysed, with the quantification of their occurrence. The study also highlighted good practices identified in SEAs, which may improve the management of SIs in future processes.

An Analysis of Strategic Environmental Assessment Legislation and Regulations in African Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850002
Author(s):  
Ghislain Mwamba Tshibangu
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Strategic Actions ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
Formal Requirements

In light of the scarcity of literature exploring Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) legislation, this paper aims to analyse how national legislation and regulations in Africa include key principles for effective SEA. To achieve this aim, a content analysis of Environmental Assessment (EA) legal arrangements was conducted. Findings reveal that most countries do not have legal provisions for SEA at strategic levels. However, some countries have formal requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment at specific strategic levels. Such requirements may be attributed to an implicit recognition of the need of EA for specific strategic actions. Countries with legal and regulatory requirements for SEA showed varied degrees of conformity with process principles, screening, scoping, impact assessment and documentation strengths, but there are weaknesses in monitoring. Further findings echo a warning as none of the legal arrangements were fully adequate. This paper concludes with recommendations to improve legislation and strengthen SEA practice in Africa.

scholarly journals Integration of Ecosystem Services in Strategic Environmental Assessment of a Peri-Urban Development Plan

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Teodoro Semeraro ◽  
Benedetta Radicchio ◽  
Pietro Medagli ◽  
Stefano Arzeni ◽  
Alessio Turco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Strategic Environmental Assessment ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Urban Plan

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) can support decision-makers in constructing more sustainable plans, programs, and policies (PPPs). To be more coherent with new frontiers of sustainable cities, PPPs need to include conservation objectives and to increase ecosystem service (ES) strategies. The ES concept is not intrinsic to the SEA process; therefore, it is necessary to develop an approach and methodology to include it. In this paper, we propose a methodology to integrate the concept of ecosystem services in all phases of the SEA process for a sub-urban plan, including the design of mitigation measures. The case study is represented by a peri-urban development plan in the municipality of Gallipoli in South Italy, characterized by a strong tourism economy and valuable agro-ecosystems. The analysis shows the priority ecosystem services that are selected considering the sustainable development and environmental goals, the context of referment, and the aims of the peri-urban plan. After, we highlight the potential ecosystem services developed considering the design of mitigation actions like green infrastructure, which could be implemented in the peri-urban plan. The capacity to develop green infrastructure in SEA processes can configure the SEA as a tool for ecological urban design that is integrated with urban planning. This requires the ability to transfer ecological and planning theories into practical actions and the capacity of different disciplines to work in a transdisciplinary approach.

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