Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold
In this study presented at the 32nd Annual Conference of IAIA, the authors delve into the practice of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Portugal, examining actor perceptions and the role of SEA in planning processes. The session highlights the integration of biophysical, economic, social, and political considerations in SEA, emphasizing its importance as a decision-making support tool to ensure environmental aspects are duly considered. The presentation discusses the systematic and evidence-led approach of SEA to assess environmental impacts and improve strategic decision-making for sustainable development.
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32nd Annual Conference of IAIA Energy Future The Role of Impact Assessment Centro de Congressos da Alf ndega Porto, Portugal, 27 May 1 June 2012 Session: Specific SEA issues Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Authors: Monteiro, MB; Partid rio, MR SENSU Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Introduction Objectives: Understanding the current practice of SEA in Portugal; Getting to know the actor s visions on the contribution of SEA to the planning process; Analyzing the influence of actor s perceptions in SEA and planning processes; Synthesizing on the theory and practice trends observed. 2 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold SEA and Sustainable Development Understand and explore environmental and sustainable strategic options to address the problems and meet intended objectives (Partid rio, 2007) Integration of biophysical, economic, social and political considerations (Partid rio, 1999) Instrument that acts like a knowledge brokerage platform to achieve environmental and sustainability oriented decision- making (Partid rio & Sheate, 2012) Systematic, objectives-led and evidence-led decision-making support instrument to ensure due consideration is given to environmental aspects in PPP making by adding rigor to the decision- making process (Fischer et al, 2009) Assess environmental impacts of PPP and their alternatives (Therivel, 1993) Improve strategic actions by integrate environmental and sustainability issues in strategic decision-making, moving beyond the comfort area of decisions (Therivel, 2004) Assess environmental consequences of policy, plan and programme proposals at the earliest stage of decision-making (Sadler & Verheem, 1996) 4 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold SEA and Decision The rational model guided EA assumptions over the years but: Cognitive limitation Lack of knowledge One single and central decision- maker Mutual dependencies All the necessary information is available (reasonable degree of certainty) Level of ambition Uncertainties Multiple actors/behaviors Systematical search of the best solution to an independent and well defined problem Divergences Complexity Unpredictability 5 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold SEA and Perception Consultants vs. Decision-makers Accountability Priorities Data/information Problem identification Responsibilities Efforts Values Communication Financial effects Flexibility SEA (mediator) Negotiation Resources Causes Hierarchy of decision Objectives Transparency Actors involved Values and culture Background Legal requirements Costs and benefits 6 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Methodology Criteria's: Approach, object of assessment, perspective, entry point, relation to the decision- making process, assessment, governance, follow-up; ER analysis: 34 ER, different typologies (programmes, sectorial, planning); Interviews: Consultants, decision-makers, specialists; Questionnaires: Environmental consultant enterprises, public administration, sectorial institutions, researchers. Literature review Criteria to analysis Interviews Questionnaires ER analysis Influence of perception in SEA 7 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Influence of Perception in SEA: Theory Interviews: Instrument that most serve sustainability in the way it is applied Gives transparency and legitimacy to the planning process Consider the success factors that influence decisions Be simultaneous and influence since the beginning the policy development Adopts a participatory approach that connects decision-maker, consultants and society Proactive engagement of stakeholders and society 8 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Influence of Perception in SEA: Theory Questionnaires: Relation with the decision Contribution to the PPP process Strategic dimension Aim Purpose To create conditions that assure the strategy development, by interaction and sharing ideas between actors To integrate environmental issues in the strategic options conception and find development pathways To help the decision-making, assessing strategic options and considering different scenarios Assess strategic directions by the objectives and planning stages definition To make sustainable strategic decision- making To identify , predict, assess and mitigate significant effects of development proposals before decision-making Assess development proposals based on detailed information and suggest mitigation measures To provide technical solutions to decision- makers, based on scientific evidences To assure the mitigation of negative impacts before PPP execution To assure the environmental viability of the PPP 9 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Influence of Perception in SEA: Practice Some results of ER analysis: 10 18 6 Entry point Vision and strategic objectives Territorial model Proposal implementation Opportunities and risks 13 17 4 Assess opportunities and risks Assess impacts/effects Without assessment Governance 13 4 17 Institutional arrangements Environmental resposabilities Ignored 10 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Main Results: Theory vs. Practice Theory Practice Perspective Sustainability (holistic and integrated) Limited environmental scope Entry Point Beginning of the planning process Late start Relation with the decision Legal obligation Technical assessment Facilitator of the decision-making Object of Assessment Products Results Future images / possible choices Future predictions /choices made Governance Institutional arrangements and participation Only environmental responsibilities Follow-up Planning, management, governance and monitoring guidelines Indicators and control measures Approach Strategic SEA EIA-based SEA 11 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Conclusions and Future steps SEA outcomes always depends on how it is conducted and applied; Different values and perceptionsinfluence SEA effectiveness, coherency and efficiency: low consensus between actors leads to different outcomes; Big EIA influence: extension of EIA to upper decision levels vs. limited development as a strategic approach; Theory-practice gap. 12 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu
32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA 32ndAnnual Conference of IAIA Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Perceptions on SEA: Not all that glitters is gold Click to edit Master title style Thank You for your attention! Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level How many colors are there in a field of grass to the crawling baby unaware of "green"? Stan Brakhage margarida.monteiro@ist.utl.pt mrp@civil.ist.utl.pt 13 13 SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group SENSU - Strategic Approaches to Environment and Sustainabilityresearch group http://sensuist.pt.vu http://sensuist.pt.vu
