QUALITY AND OUTCOMES: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN BRAZIL

Vítor Margato and Luis E. Sánchez ()
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Vítor Margato: University of Sao Paulo, Escola Politecnica — PMI, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
Luis E. Sánchez: University of Sao Paulo, Escola Politecnica — PMI, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), 2014, vol. 16, issue 02, 1-32

Abstract: In a context of unregulated practice, strategic environmental assessment (SEA) contribution to environmentally sound decision-making may be difficult to gauge. Recent Brazilian experience, where there is no legal requirement for SEA, was studied by reviewing cases selected by considering distinctive drivers for undertaking an assessment, varied locations and different consultancies hired to prepare the report. A quality review checklist was used to evaluate the contents of SEA reports according to: (i) adherence to good practice; (ii) technical quality and adequacy to decision-making processes; (iii) achievement of sound and enduring environmental benefits. Interviews aimed at gauging their actual influence. SEAs reached a relatively high level of technical quality and procedural effectiveness, but very low substantive effectiveness. Influence on decision-making varied from null to limited consideration of information in developing programs. The main challenge for SEA in unregulated contexts is to demonstrate its value to decision-makers and citizens' organisations.

Keywords: Strategic environmental assessment; transportation; pre-salt; harbour; quality review; effectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1142/S1464333214500112

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