Outcomes and contextual aspects of strategic environmental assessment in a non-mandatory context: the case of Brazil

Autor(es)

Tshibangu, Ghislain Mwamba ^[1] ; Montano, Marcelo ^[2]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Environm Engn Sci, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Environm Policy Instruments, Av Trabalhador Sancarlense 400, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND PROJECT APPRAISAL; v. 37, n. 3-4 APR 2019.
• Citações Web of Science: 1

Resumo

Within the ample body of literature devoted to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) outcomes and the assessment of its effectiveness, it is accepted that the performance of SEA systems is influenced by contextual aspects. Procedural aspects, objectives, guidance, approach, timing, amongst others, are reported as key components of the different dimensions of SEA effectiveness but their linkage to SEA outcomes is yet to be adequately investigated. In this paper, contextual aspects and related outcomes of a non-mandatory SEA system were identified through systematic literature review and personal interviews with key actors of SEA, aiming at the identification of the influence of contextual factors on SEA effectiveness. The findings indicate three main aspects that may explain the lengthy process of introduction of SEA in plan- and policy-making in the country: (i) lack of proper SEA legislation, (ii) the influence of Environmental Impact Assessment practice and (iii) the influence of the environmental licensing culture. Nevertheless, SEA contributes to improving communication between stakeholders along the planning process and to providing a better level of information for lower tiers of decision-making. In spite of the minor influences on the nature of the strategic action, valuable lessons credited to SEA have been learnt. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 17/00095-2 - Desenvolvimento de diretrizes para avaliação de impactos ambientais de planos e programas frente aos desafios das mudanças climáticas no estado de São Paulo
• Beneficiário: Marcelo Montaño
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular