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Small islands provide an opportunity to influence the debate on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) towards sustainability, due to their specific natural and human features. The research goal was to understand how sustainability might be advanced through SEA in small islands, supported by the development of a conceptual framework and recommendations for its implementation. The framework developed provides for the identification of clusters of concepts linking SEA with sustainability in small islands, identified as being key actors, island cooperation and information exchange networks, and small islands SEA-specific issues. These clusters of concepts are interlinked through the actors in a continuous loop of learning and improvement process. The implementation of the framework is recommended based on different key factors, which derived from the conceptual framework: awareness for decision-makers; empowerment and ownership of practitioners and intermediate decision-makers; small islands cooperation and exchange networks; SEA specific issues for small islands; and, small islands specific stakeholders' engagement (local knowledge). The application of the framework developed was conceptualized for the Azores and Orkney archipelagos due to their well-established SEA systems, with similar legal background – the European Union SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC). In the Azores, the SEA system may promote an easier transition towards new models of thinking, but more challenges are expected for Orkney practitioners and decision supporters which may need to use creative solutions to overcome them. Overall, this research concludes that a mind-set changing capacity is needed, enhancing future practice and influencing different stakeholders for the need of specific small islands approaches. The proposed framework should be adopted as a dynamic tool and adjusted iteratively with practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global land use change continues to undermine the capacity of ecosystems to sustain ecosystem service (ES) flows. Much attention in policy and research has therefore been given to concepts, tools and processes for sustainable land use planning, including consideration of ES and the ecosystem approach. However, there are limited empirical cases or evaluations of ecosystem approach based planning from which lessons can be drawn. The aim of this research therefore was to identify and evaluate existing case study planning frameworks that have the potential to operationalise the ecosystem approach. Based on the Malawi Principles, a new suite of evaluation criteria was developed. This was used to assess case study documentary evidence and evaluate the extent to which the 12 Malawi Principles had been considered. The evaluation also assessed the planning methods/approaches used by the case studies and their potential to help translate the Malawi Principles into land use planning outcomes. Finally, a SWOT analysis was used to structure the main findings. Our results show that the Malawi Principles have been considered across the case studies “fully” or “partially” in 64% of instances suggesting, therefore, that the case studies present a reasonable interpretation of the ecosystem approach. However, poor consideration of biodiversity and environmental limits across the cases highlights the risk of land use management decisions continuing to contribute to the degradation of natural capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small islands have the attention of the international community because they are territories with unique features, and a pressing need for the enhancement of sustainability. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has characteristics that may promote the development and improvement of sustainability in these territories: (i) changing the mind-set, and the decision-making and institutional paradigm, (ii) facilitating cooperation and coordination between different stakeholders, and (iii) providing a framework for good governance and community empowerment. The scientific literature suggests that there may be a need for context-specific SEA in these territories. However, SEA studies often do not incorporate local contextual information, including intuitive knowledge and sense of place. Therefore, there is a possible gap between what is found in the literature and what local communities think, including different stakeholders and experts. Hence, the main goal of this research was to gain an insight into the views and perspectives of small islands SEA experts about issues related to SEA in European small islands, including context-specific approaches, as well as the contribution of SEA for sustainability in these territories. To achieve the research aim, exploratory research using a questionnaire-based survey was designed, aimed at experts on SEA in European small islands. Findings showed regional cooperation networks may have a fundamental role when developing SEA-specific approaches in these territories. This is because SEA-specific approaches encourage a joint effort among islands within one region to improve SEA capacity-building, develop and share a baseline information system, and to share and exchange resources, overall. Also, guidelines are preferred among experts over more legal frameworks and regulations. Finally, the research showed that experts view SEA as a way to enhance sustainability in small islands. This study highlights the importance of integrating stakeholders, such as territorial experts, to learn and promote the use and improvement of environmental and sustainability tools such as SEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) often refers to the importance of context-specific approaches. However, there is a lack of systematised and consistent studies that enhance tailor-made SEA practices and procedures. Small islands are bounded units of study which may help explore SEA theory and practice in special territories. Small islands present particular features and unique values, such as, small size and population, geographic isolation, limited resources and vulnerable ecosystems. Hence, the main goal of this research was to profile SEA practices and procedures in European small islands and provide a background for future research aiming to improve context-specific SEA applications. To achieve this goal, an exploratory case study was developed using Azores (Portugal) and Orkney (Scotland) archipelagos. An analysis of the corresponding mainland was also carried out to contextualise both case studies. The data collection was achieved through a qualitative content analysis of 43 Environmental Reports. The research found that there is not an SEA context-specific approach used within these European small islands, including guidelines, assessment topics, assessment techniques, follow-up and stakeholders engagement. The debate concerning specific approaches to small islands must be re-focused on the enhancement of SEA capacity-building amongst different stakeholders (including decision-makers), on the development and implementation of collaborative approaches, and on the exchange of knowledge and experiences between small islands networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework for evaluating the quality of enhancement of positive impacts in Environmental Impact Assessment reports (EIARs). The 'Enhancement Quality Testing Framework' created for this study is structured around four performance indicators to evaluate enhancement measures detailed in EIARs that focus on: Inclusion; Timing; Thoroughness; and Responsibility & Monitoring. In this way a holistic view of enhancement has been taken to create a framework to evaluate enhancement quality. The framework was tested in documentary research of 24 Scottish EIARs published between 2015 and 2020 (including relevant documents submitted as part of the planning application, such as Environmental Management Plans). The results highlighted a wide recognition of enhancement (70%) among the EIAR evaluated. However, the majority of grades assigned across the performance indicators for the reports examined fell within 'Deficient' or 'Not Present'. The framework could be used and adapted by developers, consultants, decision makers and academics to provide insight, and to introduce accountability, regarding the quality of enhancement integration in EIA practice. • Proposes framework to evaluate quality of enhancement in EIA reports. • Defines 4 indicators: Inclusion; Timing; Thoroughness; Responsibility & Monitoring. • Tests framework with 24 Scottish EIA reports - majority performed poorly. • Finds that worst performing indicator was "Responsibility & Monitoring". • Recommends that enhancements are made evident in EIA reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small islands are territories that are subject to different environmental, economic and social problems and pressures. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic approach that integrates sustainability issues into policies, plans and programmes promoting the participation of different stakeholders including the communities. In this research an integrative review is performed to identify, explore and discuss the academic outlook on sustainability in small islands and SEA in their decision-making context. The study is justified by the pressing need to find suitable responses for integrating sustainability into small islands through the decision-making process. The review was conducted through academic literature that focused on sustainability and environmental assessment in islands from the last 15 years. The documents were analysed through a content analysis based approach where they were coded with pre-determined categories according with the 14 priority areas identified in the Barbados Programme of Action and the three additional priority areas from the Mauritius Strategy for addressing the special challenges faced by Small Islands Developing States. From the review it is understood that it is still not clear what sustainability is for small islands or what is the best approach to achieve it. However, three key arguments, linked with SEA, emerged from the discussion on how to enhance sustainability in these territories (i) change in decision-making paradigm, (ii) good governance and community empowerment and, (iii) resilience. SEA can help to put forward these three "sustainability enhancers" since SEA approaches addressed them, yet, it is necessary to develop or rethink a framework for SEA in these territories, promote SEA research for small islands and stimulate capacity-building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper evaluates the tensions that result from routinely applying SEA to all policies, plans and programmes within Scotland. The European Union SEA Directive, effective in many EU member states from 2004, introduced a requirement for environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes. Scotland, a devolved nation within the EU member state of the United Kingdom, aimed to be a ‘world leader in SEA’ by legislating for SEA to be undertaken of all public sector plans, programmes and strategies, with the word ‘strategies’ being equated with ‘policies’. This paper presents detailed data regarding Scottish SEA activity between 2004 and 2007, including responses to consultations on SEA reports. This empirical research found that, reflecting a general difficulty in determining where and when SEA should be applied, engagement with the SEA process was not as widespread as intended (including the pre-screening and screening stages). Eight tensions evident from Scotland''s application of SEA are identified, and their broader relevance is examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper evaluates how the enhancement of positive environmental impacts has been considered and developed in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) reports since the SEA Act in Scotland was introduced in 2005. Fifteen Environmental Reports on strategic actions prepared between 2006 and 2009 were scrutinized for this study, one of which pertained to national policy and the rest to responsible authority programmes, plans or strategies throughout Scotland. A four point scale was developed to evaluate the extent to which environmental enhancement promotion or measures were considered in the Environmental Reports: Thorough, Fair, Minimal and Absent. Results found that nine out of the 15 Environmental Reports studied were graded as ‘minimal’ or ‘absent’. The paper concludes that in order for SEA to achieve its full potential, in addition to considering mitigation measures for negative environmental impacts, SEA practitioners and decision makers must begin to realize and exploit potential enhancement opportunities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The way in which Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) succeeds in its key aim – to integrate the environment into strategic decision-making – is affected by the choice of both data and scale. The data and scale used within SEA fundamentally shape the process. However, in the past, these issues were often not discussed in an explicit or in-depth way. This article proposes a research agenda, and recommendations for future practice, on data and scale issues in SEA. Future research on data issues, spatial and temporal scales (both in terms of detail and extent), tiering, data quality and links to decision-making are recommended. The article concludes that questions of data and scale in SEA are not just technical, they are essential to identifying and understanding the issues that SEA should be addressing, and therefore are a core element of SEA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper evaluates the influence of geographical scale on the outcomes of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The paper presents results obtained by using spatial data with different scales for an EIA for a proposed road bypass in Southeast England (the Hastings Bypass). Scale effects were measured separately for spatial extent and spatial detail, and were measured both quantitatively using a Geographical Information System (GIS) and qualitatively using the judgement of EIA experts. The study found that changes in scale could affect the results of EIAs. For example, the impact significance and the number of houses affected by air pollution from the road varied according to the scale used. These observed scale-dependent changes suggest that scale choice can have important repercussions for the accuracy of an EIA study. This situation is made more serious when it is recognized that many environmental impact statements (EIS) fail to mention in explicit terms the scale used. The paper concludes with recommendations for future practice on how best to control the quality of EIAs in relation to scale choice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increasing concerns over climate change have prompted rapid growth of renewable energy over the past few decades, particularly wind energy. However, as the installation of wind farms rises, so will the need for decommissioning and analysis of the environmental impacts associated with decommissioning. This paper investigates how Environmental Impacts Assessments (EIA) identify, estimate and manage potential impacts of decommissioning. EIAs from 12 onshore and offshore windfarms consented between 2009 and 2014 in England and Scotland were analysed and compared. Attributes of these windfarms' Environmental Statements (ES) were scored under six categories: decommissioning in EIA stages, definitions of decommissioning, amount of analysis, depth of analysis, impacts identified, and proactive planning. Onshore windfarms generally tended to investigate the impacts of decommissioning less than offshore windfarms, even those which gained consent in the same year. The investigation of the impact of decommissioning improved for windfarms consented in the latter years of the study period. Across the ESs there was a lack of analysis of potential impacts from decommissioning in their own right: not simply as a reversal of the construction process. The impacts of different end of life scenarios were not analysed in any of the ESs studied. There is evidence to suggest the presence of windfarms, especially offshore, could in some cases be environmentally beneficial for certain species. However, the ecological impact of removing offshore structures at the end of life is unknown and is currently not investigated nor predicted in EIAs. Understanding the potential implications of full or partial removal of marine structures, or alternatives to decommissioning, could ensure that appropriate mitigation is considered at an early stage by both developer and consenting authority. That being said, it is also important to update the assessment of potential impacts over the life of the project as more information on the environment is gathered and end of life plans develop. • Onshore windfarms assess environmental impact of decommissioning less than offshore. • More in-depth investigation of decommissioning impact for windfarms consented later. • Decommissioning impacts not assessed independently: always compared to construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The rate of transition to a circular economy would largely be influenced by how successfully sustainable niche innovation can be developed and adopted. This paper measures and evaluates the effectiveness of employing a triple helix-based system intermediary as a policy tool for nurturing a niche innovation network in line with circular economy transition. This was achieved through a complete social network analysis of a national industrial biotechnology innovation network, in which the organization functioning as network manager was innovatively structured as a triple helix-based system intermediary. Through unique access to the entire national industrial biotechnology niche network, a large set of primary data was collected on 13 types of relational ties related to innovation between all 64 public sector, industry and academic niche network member organizations. The impact of the triple helix-based system intermediary on the level of cohesion, presence of cohesive subgroups and centralisation of the niche network was empirically measured. As such, the effectiveness of the intermediary in undertaking key nurturing activities of building the network, facilitating shared learning and raising expectations were evaluated. This allowed for the most comprehensive empirical study to date on a niche innovation network and the role of system intermediaries in circular economy transition. The results of the analysis demonstrate the profound nurturing effect that the introduction of a triple helix-based system intermediary has had on the network. In particular, the results appear to confirm the effectiveness of the intermediary with regards to increasing knowledge and resource flows amongst triple helix institutions as well as between regime and niche actors. Highlights • System intermediation is necessary for nurturing circular economy oriented niche innovation networks. • Niche network cohesion, clustering and centralisation increased from presence of triple helix-based system intermediary. • Triple helix system intermediary expanded niche network, raised expectations and increased shared learning. • Triple-helix system intermediary can broker structural holes between niche and wider regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]