Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia
By: Stephen Dovers, Simon Marsden
Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia provides an authoritative, up-to-date report on the state of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in Australia and New Zealand, at a time of gathering momentum for recognition of SEA as a necessary and legitimate part of natural resources management. SEA is the application of environmental assessment to policies, plans and programs. It seeks to address, as early as possible, and on a par with social and economic impacts, what environmental impacts may occur, and what measures should be taken to avoid or ameliorate these impacts. In Australia and New Zealand, SEA remains the poor relation to project related environmental impact assessment (EIA) with the result that project related EIA still commonly takes place in a vacuum of strategic and cumulative environmental assessment. This book examines: What SEA is, and how it relates to other tools The need for SEA, and how it can influence decision-making How SEA works, and the principles on which it is based, the different approaches that must be taken, and the methods that may be deployed Procedural requirements within countries, and internationally Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia contains theoretical and practical perspectives, and complements works focussing on North American and European experiences. The examples show: missed opportunities, as well as opportunities made and grasped the effects of a lack of formal legal recognition or specification of SEA the circumstances, such as longstanding conflict between interest groups, that have forced governments to an integrated and strategic rather than an 'ad hoc' response. Editors Simon Marsden and Steve Dovers consider whether SEA will play a more meaningful role in resource and environmental management, what that role should be and how that might be achieved. This book will be useful to practitioners from many disciplines, including law, land use planning, geography, engineering and the social sciences.
AI Overview
Title: Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia
Editors: Simon Marsden and Stephen Dovers
Publisher: Federation Press
Publication Year: 2002
Key Themes
Introduction to SEA: The book provides an authoritative introduction to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on its application to policies, plans, and programs.
SEA and Sustainability: It explores the role of SEA in addressing environmental impacts alongside social and economic impacts, emphasizing the importance of early assessment and mitigation measures.
Comparison with EIA: The book highlights the distinction between SEA and project-related Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), noting that SEA is often overlooked in favor of more immediate project assessments, leading to a lack of strategic and cumulative environmental assessment.
Principles and Approaches: It delves into the principles on which SEA is based, the different approaches that must be taken, and the methods that may be deployed for effective SEA practice.
Procedural Requirements: The book examines procedural requirements within countries and internationally, providing insights into how SEA can influence decision-making processes.
Plot Summary
The book is structured into several parts, each focusing on a specific aspect of SEA:
- Part I: SEA and Sustainability
- Chapter 1: Strategic Environmental Assessment: An International Overview by Simon Marsden
- Chapter 2: Too Deep a SEA? Strategic Environmental Assessment in the Era of Sustainability by Stephen Dovers
This part sets the stage for understanding SEA globally and its relevance in the context of sustainability.
- Other Chapters
- The book covers various topics such as the need for SEA, its relationship with other tools, how it works, and procedural requirements. It also discusses the different approaches and methods that can be used in SEA practice.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage of SEA in Australasia:
Book Review: The book has been praised for its detailed examination of SEA, highlighting its importance in natural resources management. It is noted for providing an authoritative and up-to-date report on SEA practices in Australia and New Zealand.
Academic Reception: The book is recognized as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners interested in environmental assessment. It is considered an excellent introduction to SEA practice, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.
Overall, "Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia" is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of SEA principles, practices, and applications in the region. It serves as a foundational text for those seeking to understand the role of SEA in sustainable decision-making.