Geo Dec 2nd - Google Docs

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

  • Applicability of SEA

    • Most relevant for:

      • Sectoral policies and programs

      • Areas like mineral extraction, energy generation, waste management

      • Regional or area-based plans, such as land-use planning

      • Indirect policies (e.g., fiscal, trade, science and technology)

Cumulative Effects

  • Example of Cumulative Effect

    • Individual actions (like a homeowner building a barbeque pit) have negligible impact on air quality.

    • However, if many homeowners build barbeque pits, it could collectively affect air quality.

    • Necessity for general policies or by-laws arises from such aggregate effects.

      • Campsites formulate rules for individual campers.

      • Cities enforce regulations for individual homeowners.

Determining the Significance of Impact

  • Assessment Challenges

    • Scientists can assess pollution levels in aquatic systems (e.g., a lake's fish population) but may struggle with the significance of complete fish absence.

    • Perspectives on significance vary among stakeholders with vested interests.

    • Key issues include:

      • Protection of endangered species and habitat.

      • Estimating the non-monetary value of ecosystems and wildlife (e.g., wetlands, wildlife costs due to resource extraction).

Data or Understanding Issues

  • Knowledge Limitations

    • Information on ecosystems might be inadequate for estimating human impact effects.

    • Basic concepts (e.g., community, stability, succession) are often debated, leading to prediction uncertainties.

    • Different interpretations can arise from the same data, influenced by proponent and opponent biases.

    • Local or indigenous knowledge can provide valuable insights (e.g., Inuit knowledge about seabird patterns).

    • Highlights the need for adaptive environmental management and acceptance of uncertainty.

    • Limited financial or human resources may lead to inadequate monitoring.

Sustainability Assessment

  • EIA Emphasis on Sustainability

    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) incorporates sustainable goals into its framework.

Reasons for Disputes

  • Conflict Origins

    • Incompatible values, interests, or needs may trigger disputes over resources and project developments.

    • Issues can also arise regarding multiple resource uses, policy regulations, and jurisdictional ownership.

    • Questions about stakeholder involvement timing and methods are common.

Positive Outcomes of Disputes

  • Benefits of Conflict

    • Can clarify program weaknesses impacting performance.

    • May bring misunderstandings or poor information into the open, promoting better solutions.

Negative Effects of Disputes

  • Consequences of Conflict

    • Potential loss of trust among stakeholders.

    • Misunderstandings and reinforcing biases can result.

    • Ignoring disputes may exacerbate problems and create further obstacles.

    • Conflicts can gain media attention (e.g., the seal hunt in Atlantic Canada, lobster fishery controversies).

      • Traditional rights versus regulated fishing seasons lead to tensions.

Case Studies in Resource Conflicts

  • Whaling Example

    • The Makah people's historical whale hunting faced challenges from commercial whaling impacts and regulatory measures.

    • The revival of whaling in 1999 met with significant environmental protests despite traditional practices.

Handling Disputes

  • Judicial Processes

    • Courts facilitate resolution by determining facts based on established rules.

    • The process can be adversarial, lengthy, and costly.

    • Disparities can arise between small groups and large corporations or government agencies due to resource availability.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

  • ADR Features

    • Emphasizes interests rather than positions, focusing on reparations and future conduct.

    • Pursues long-lasting settlements through constructive communication, greater flexibility, and better commitment.

    • Consensus decision-making aims for mutual agreement rather than determining winners and losers.

ADR Approaches

  • Negotiation

    • Voluntary dialogue aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement; participants can withdraw at any time.

  • Mediation

    • Involves a neutral party helping disputants understand each other and work collaboratively towards settlement.

  • Arbitration

    • Offers third-party decision-making authority; can be binding or non-binding, enhancing procedural fairness.

Regional and Land Use Planning

  • Planning Context

    • Plans should be legally based to govern resource use effectively.

    • Effective implementation of resource management plans requires integration with land-use plans.

Implementation Strategies

  • Factors for Implementation Success

    • Plans must be context-specific, adaptable, and have clear long-term visions.

    • Credibility and legitimacy are essential for stakeholder buy-in and commitment.

    • Monitoring and adaptive management highlight the need for collaboration over competition.

    • Stakeholder communication is crucial for discussing aims and achievements and celebrating successes.

Change Management

  • Guidance from C. Heath & D. Heath

    • Effective change follows a pattern of clear direction, ample motivation, and supportive environments.