My latest paper in the journal Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal (2017 - vol 35, 3, pages 257-267) presents a methodology for reviewing the quality fg strategic environmental assessments in development cooperation and identifying problems associated with them. It was developed to support the work of the OECD DAC SEA Task Team and designed for application to SEAs undertaken in the context of development cooperation. The methodology is based on internationally accepted principles and elements of good practice and is question-based. Three modules separately address three key attributes of SEA: compliance with requirements, technical quality, and utility and benefits of the SEA. The methodology is applicable in various ways from a relatively quick desk exercise taking one or two days and conducted by an individual, to a longer review involving a team with fieldwork, ground-truthing and stakeholder engagement (eg for a multi-country SEA). A range of factors that need to be addressed in reviewing SEAs are considered. Independent and trial applications of the methodology to SEAs in Ukraine, the Caribbean and Namibia have shown that it can be usefully and successfully applied to any SEA. To access the article, click here
An article in the journal Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal (2015) describes a rapid strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of Namibia’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) (2012–2013 to 2016–2017). The authors believe this to be the first application of such an approach to a national development plan that typically charts a country’s key over-arching development objectives and targets. It was undertaken over four weeks and involved a preparatory desk review of the objectives and implementation strategies of NDP4, Vision-2030 and key sector policies, as well as several other policies. The results were analysed during half-day, facilitated, multi-stakeholder focus sessions convened for each of five policy clusters that drive development in Namibia: land and agriculture, water, conservation and tourism, mining and industry, and fisheries. Policy performance and synergies/antagonisms within and between policies were assessed, and how policy elements might be improved to enhance synergies/reduce antagonisms and improve their contribution to sustainable development and achieve the goals of NDP4 and Vision-2030. This rapid approach to SEA offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional SEA requiring many months, a team of experts and an extensive process. To access the article click here
My latest book, Sustainability Appraisal , written with Barry Sadler, was published in April 2014. It is a state-of-the-art analysis of the status and scope of Sustainability Appraisal/Assessment (SA), drawing on a wealth of international experiences and approaches. This comprehensive guide highlights how SA can be used to integrate the key environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability into decision-making at all levels, from policy to project to investment, by government, business and industry, or international organizations. It distils both published and unpublished materials, as well as in-depth workshop discussions and contributions from a range of leading experts, organizations and agencies. I hope the book will be of value to professionals everywhere who are in need of a solid, practical guide to what constitutes SA and, more importantly, how and when it can be applied.
Available from www.routledge.com/u/clayton/
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