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Journal of Applied Sciences

Year: 2004 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 658-662
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Research Article

Improving Environment Through Strategic Environmental Assessment

Naufil Naseer

ABSTRACT

This study explains both strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) as decision-making tools and argues that EIA at the project level does not suffice with maintaining and improving environmental assessment. The emphasis of this study was on regional planning as an example of SEA. The objective was to define SEA based on its strategic characteristics and to distinguish SEA form EIA. The research has attempted to present the argument through examples as to how SEA is a better option for improving environmental quality than EIA when it comes to integrating environmental assessment with regional planning and management. In this study it has suggested that SEA is a better tool in assessing the consequences of policies and plans at an early stage of decision-making as it considers a much "broader picture" of the environment. The study initially provides an overview of EIA and its flaws, discusses SEA and how it gives a better understanding of the environmental issues and finally some examples of integrating regional planning with SEA.
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REFERENCES

  1. UNEP., 1988. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) basic procedures for developing countries. United Nations Environmental Program,
  2. UNESCAP, 2000. Meeting information requirements at project/firm level. United Nations Economic and Social Commissions for Asia and the Pacific. http://www.unescap.org/drpad/vc/orientation/M8_intro.htm.
  3. Partidario, M.R., 1999. Strategic Environmental Assessment-Principles and Potential. In: Hand Book on Environmental Impact Assessment, Petts, J. (Ed.). Blackwell, London, pp: 60-73.
  4. Macleod, D., 1996. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Canadian Environmental Defence Fund.
  5. Clayton, D. and B. Sadler, 1999. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) a rapidly evolving approach. International Institute for Sustainable Development. http://iiedtest.merfa.co.uk/pubs/pdfs/7790IIED.pdf.
  6. Scholles, F., 1996. German environmental impact assessment. Association for the Assessment of Environmental Impacts,. (Last date of visit 23/10/01).

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