USE OF SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSES CONDUCTED IN BRAZIL

Antonio Waldimir Leopoldino Da Silva (), Paulo Maurício Selig and Hans Michael van Bellen
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Antonio Waldimir Leopoldino Da Silva: Department of Zootechnics, Santa Catarina State University – UDESC, 89.815-630, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Paulo Maurício Selig: Department of Knowledge Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC, 88.040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Hans Michael van Bellen: Department of Knowledge Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC, 88.040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), 2014, vol. 16, issue 02, 1-26

Abstract: Sustainability indicators (SIs) are important elements in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) processes. By means of Content Analysis, the documentary study underlying this paper aimed to characterise and analyse the use of SIs in the final reports of 32 SEAs conducted in Brazil. The results are that 30 SEAs utilise SIs, aiming to make the baseline of the study (all of them), anticipate and monitor the effects of the plan or program (73.3%), compare scenarios (46.7%) and/or alternatives (26.7%). Reports have shortcomings in addressing the SIs, such as insufficient description of the selection process, no reference to the selection criteria adopted, and the use of vague and poorly formulated SIs, that are often expressed in the form of impact or objective. Other aspects related to SIs are analysed, with the quantification of their occurrence. The study also highlighted good practices identified in SEAs, which may improve the management of SIs in future processes.

Keywords: Brazil; good practices; SEA report; strategic environmental assessment; sustainability indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1142/S1464333214500082

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