Lessons learnt from voluntary strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) in Namibia

Abstract

Ten strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) were undertaken in Namibia between 2008 and 2013, although it is not yet a legal mandate. Efforts are currently underway to establish a formal instrument for SEA processes. To inform the drafting of such regulations or at the request of proponents, seven of these SEAs were reviewed using a methodology developed for the OECD-DAC and based on principles of SEA good practice. The reviews examined the processes followed by the SEAs, appraised stakeholders' reflections, and assessed the outcomes and contributions to decision-making. Although all analysed SEAs delivered on their respective terms of references (ToRs), inadequacies encountered were largely attributed to shortcomings in their ToRs. They showed inadequate public consultation or strategic dimension; failed to address alternatives to, and cumulative effects of, the policy, plan or programme assessed; and paid limited attention to synergies or antagonisms. The majority had some influence on decision-making and proposed monitoring procedures for identified mitigation measures. SEA regulations and measures to strengthen institutional and human capacity to sustain effective SEA application are critically needed in Namibia.

Good Practices in Strategic Environmental Assessment Processes under the Brazilian Practitioners’ Vision

“…A poorly produced TR can cause serious damage to the conduct of the process and to the final result of the assessment. Many of the shortcomings of the SEAs were due to inadequacy of the TR [22]. Developing an appropriate TR is definitely a GP [23].…”

“…The participation of specialists in the elaboration of TR is fundamental and practitioners should be encouraged to dialogue with the contracting party in order to improve it [22]. Therefore, the participation of the SEA team in the process of constructing the TR, if possible, constitutes a GP.…”

“…Several interviewees referred to the SEA's drafting team as a critical point and, at the same time, as a GP in the processes in which they participated. Experienced practitioners can add value to the methodological aspect of the assessment [22].…”

“…However, in several other countries SEA does not have the same tradition and there is a clear lack of human material capable of developing assessment actions. This is the case in Namibia, where the lack of local critical knowledge points to the need to improve the experience and specialization in this field, promoting the qualification of starting professionals through coaching, tutoring or supervision by experienced practitioners [22]. In this sense, the role of SEA is recognized as an instrument of training and learning [31], a fact also verified in Brazilian conditions, although not in full or in the totality of the processes [1] [4].…”

Effectiveness of strategic environmental assessment in promoting sustainable development in Tanzania

“…Equally, SEA is provided in the protocol to the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context as well as the European Union SEA directives (Ahmed et al 2005). There are also a number of papers and reports that review the SEA system internationally (Dalal-Clayton and Sadler 2005;Chaker et al 2006;Therivel 2010;OECD 2012;Sadler et al 2011), in policymaking and for particular sectors (Fischer 2002(Fischer , 2003(Fischer , 2007Jones et al 2005;World Bank 2011) and in specific countries or regions (Retief et al 2008;Mutui et al 2013;Hipondoka et al 2016).…”