First steps toward best practice SEA in a developing nation: lessons from the central Namib uranium rush SEA

Abstract

The intent of this study is to contribute to the discussion of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) best practice based on experience gained in a recent SEA initiative: the central Namib (Namibia) uranium rush SEA. We evaluate this SEA process against internationally established characteristics of 'best practice' SEA to improve and strengthen future practice in Namibia. The study draws primarily on the final assessment report as well as inputs from six informants involved in the assessment. The results reveal some elements of good practice as well as areas for improvement, and in particular, the need for improved baseline data collection; adequate consideration of alternatives; committing to preferred scenario/options; enforceability; and a more robust institutional capacity. We offer insight into how consideration of these factors may help to strengthen SEA practice in Namibia. Overall, the SEA may not represent a 'best practice' example according to international standards, but it does suggest a potentially bright future for SEA practice in Namibia.

Exploring alternatives for a low-carbon future: cases of strategic environmental assessment from Tanzania

“…Content analysis is one of the most important social science research techniques, widely applied in SEA research (e.g. Olagunju and Gunn, 2015; Rega and Baldizzone, 2015; Bragagnolo et al ., 2012). The reports were content-analysed to determine whether and how alternatives were analysed and when, where and how LCD and climate change mitigation considerations were included.…”

“…SEA reports are also the most common form of gathering data in SEA research (e.g. Wende et al ., 2012; Olagunju and Gunn, 2015; Hipondoka et al ., 2016). They provide an account of how the various stages of the SEA process were carried out and documented and are thus crucial artefacts for examining suitability for decision-making.…”

A Framework for Governance of Sustainability Indicator Systems in Strategic Environmental Assessment Processes

“…The formation of a steering/advisory committee endowed with consultative and/or deliberative functions broadens external participation in the activities of the SEA (Olagunju and Gunn, 2015). Its adoption must be decided in the early stages of the SEA (this phase of G-SINDS).…”

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

“…A decade ago, João [13] says that "best-practice examples are still rare" (p. 697). In contrast to this statement, in recent years, the number of papers that discuss and demonstrate the application of GP within the scope of the SEA has increased [12] [14]- [20] and the GP "are fairly well developed" [21] (p. 57). It should be noted, however, that a great part of these materials is the result of the exclusive vision of researchers and specialists, without considering the perspective of practitioners who, when working in the preparation of SEA studies, have particular experience and capacity of defining and delimiting GP.…”

“…It should be noted, however, that a great part of these materials is the result of the exclusive vision of researchers and specialists, without considering the perspective of practitioners who, when working in the preparation of SEA studies, have particular experience and capacity of defining and delimiting GP. In addition, most examples of GP come from work in developed countries, with a long tradi- at the international level, a SEA focused on GP [21].…”