Assessment Techniques
From SEA.unu.edu/wiki
In this section, you will find information on some of the main tools used in the evaluation and prediction of environmental impacts. The techniques are also available in an interactive illustration in the course module.
Prediction Techniques
The prediction of environmental impacts aims to identify environmental/sustainability changes that would result from the strategic action. It compares the likely state of the sustainability indicators with and without the strategic action.
Here you will find many techniques used in SEA prediction, some adapted from project EIA, and some specifically developed for SEA. A brief description is provided of each technique as well as an example, supported by a discussion of advantages and disadvantages, and further reading.
The SEA prediction techniques are listed below:
- Common Appraisal Framework
- Impact Matrices
- Compatibility Appraisal
- Geographical Information Systems
- Overlay Maps
- Land Unit Partitioning
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Modelling
- Systems Dynamics
- Life Cycle Analysis
Evaluation Techniques
The evaluation of environmental impacts seeks to determine the extent to which the predicted impacts are acceptable: at this stage a judgement is made. Part of the evaluation stage includes identifying ways of minimising impacts. Some of the main examples include:
A brief description is provided of each technique as well as an example, supported by a discussion of advantages and disadvantages, and further reading.
- Land Suitability Analysis
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Multi-Criteria Analysis
- Test Against Carrying Capacity
Other Assessment Techniques
Environmental objectives, targets and indicators are tools through which significant environmental impacts of proposed plans and programmes may be demonstrated. In addition, they are also used to develop the monitoring system. Here we present a methodology for identifying plan specific objectives, targets and indicators, give some examples of these parameters and provide selection criteria which once fulfilled should ensure usefulness.
