Analysis of the Proposed Federal Implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessment in Brazil

Abstract

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process that makes environmental issues be considered in strategic decisions. After 2000, there was a global spread of this practice, and many countries already have regulations. Brazil is still in the stage of implementation proposals of this instrument. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the guidelines formulated for SEA practice meet a set of factors that make the system to be deployed point to a more conducive way to the effectiveness of its action. To this end, we used the Fischer (2007) method with adaptations. The results indicate, as positive aspects of the proposal, the definition of the SEA goal and the predicted society participation in the process and, as its weaknesses, the lack of definition of responsibilities and procedures to be followed. From the conclusion that the text of the draft needs to be improved, international experience must be considered to avoid mistakes and maximise SEA gains.