EIA vs SEA: Understanding Environmental Impact Assessments
EIA and SEA: A Strategic Difference
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an administrative legal process. It starts with the developer’s summary report, continues with consultations involving people and institutions by the environmental agency, and includes the completion of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) by the promoter. This is presented to the body, extends into public participation, and concludes with the Environmental Authority issuing the EIS.
In essence, EIA is an administrative procedure to identify, manage, and interpret the environmental impacts of a project. This allows authorities to accept, reject, or modify the project.
The EIA is specific to a project, defined by its unique characteristics such as the type of work, materials, construction procedures, maintenance, technologies, and inputs.
However, relying solely on EIA can be insufficient, especially in sectors like tourism. A more strategic approach is needed to manage activities and levels of detail.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) prevents environmental damage before construction projects begin. It’s applied when authorities plan actions in areas like road infrastructure, rail, agriculture, energy, water, and urban planning, including tourism.
The term ‘strategic’ highlights the need for environmental impact studies during the planning process. This preserves natural resources and ensures sustainable development. The goal is to prioritize environmental issues during government planning for social needs (transportation, urban development, tourism, water, energy, etc.). This includes deciding how to protect the population, biodiversity, human health, flora, fauna, water, climate, air quality, heritage, and landscape.
The Importance of SEA in Tourism
The tourism sector’s projects in fragile ecosystems (islands, coasts, mountains, historic sites, and areas of biological, archaeological, or historical significance) require special protection from negative impacts. EIA alone may not be enough. SEA is needed to analyze the broader environmental impact, both positive and negative, beyond individual projects.
SEA as an Additional Tool
SEA is an additional tool for spatial planning, helping achieve sustainability by considering regional impacts. It analyzes the synergistic or cumulative environmental impacts of policies, plans, and programs, incorporating advanced conditions into specific actions.
The Relationship Between SEA and EIA
Typically, an SEA is conducted before an EIA. Information about the environmental impact of a plan can then cascade through decision-making levels and be used in later EIAs.
This complementarity allows a single operation to serve two purposes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.