Attempt to an Analysis of the Advances Made in Implementing the Strategic Environmental Assessment in Southern Africa in the Light of Climate Change

Abstract

The current study aims to provide an up-to-date status quo of the advances made in establishing and operationalising SEA and the subsequent integration of climate change in the Southern African region. It examines through a comparative qualitative assessment of SEA systems' status and implementation by highlighting individual countries' strengths, opportunities, and weaknesses to pave the way for effective strategic environmental decision-making. I used a desktop review of scientific papers and other relevant documents published about SEA and climate change in the region as the primary method used to collect all the information necessary for this study. Other documents were obtained from the governmental and other institutions websites to supplement the published documents. The findings of this study indicate that SEA in southern African countries is currently a crucial environmental policy consideration. Nevertheless, the study also exposes the heterogeneity in SEA adoption, climate change integration, and implementation in the region. A lot needs to be done as the formalisation of SEA in the region has been quite slow.