2009年-世界发展银行全球_Strategic_Environmental_Assessment___Improving_Water_Resources_Governance_and_Decision_Making_-_Case_Studies_82页_2mb

Summary of "Strategic Environmental Assessment: Improving Water Resources Governance and Decision Making: Case Studies"

Core Content

This report, authored by Rafik Hirji and Richard Davis in April 2009, focuses on the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in improving water resources governance and decision-making, particularly in the context of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It presents 10 global case studies of SEAs in the water sector, four national and state water policies, and an in-depth pilot study from Tanzania. The report aims to assist professionals within the World Bank and its client countries in effectively using SEAs to implement IWRM principles.

Main Viewpoints

• SEA as a Strategic Tool: SEA is a process for improving decision-making at the strategic level, including policies, legislation, strategies, plans, and programs. It helps integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into water resource management.

• IWRM and SEA Synergy: IWRM has been widely accepted since the 1990s as a framework for sustainable water management. However, its implementation is often limited. SEA offers a complementary approach to mainstream environmental sustainability into IWRM by addressing environmental concerns at the strategic level.

• Institutional and Procedural Drivers: Institutional drivers such as professional understanding and public pressure are key to the success of SEAs. Procedural drivers, including legislative requirements, are less effective without these additional factors.

• Substantive Impact of SEA: Successful SEAs often result in significant policy, legal, and institutional reforms. They can lead to the establishment of river basin institutions and the adoption of more sustainable water management practices.

• Variety of SEA Purposes: SEAs serve multiple purposes, such as assessing environmental impacts, structuring water management plans, and providing information for decision-making. Some SEAs are impact-centered, while others are institution-centered.

• Role of Economic Instruments: Although not a major focus, some SEAs have contributed to the use of economic instruments for water management, such as charges for water use and pollution, and permits for fishing and its export.

Key Information

Case Studies Overview

The report includes 10 case studies, 6 of which were Bank-funded, and one was funded by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. These case studies cover a range of strategic levels (policy, program, plan), sectors (water supply, sanitation, hydropower, irrigation), and geographic regions (developed, transitioning, and developing countries). The case studies highlight the diversity of approaches and the importance of integrating environmental considerations into strategic water decisions.

Case Study Examples

• Colombia: The SEA for water supply and sanitation reform contributed to progressive water sector reforms and multisectoral involvement.
• Tanzania: The Rapid Water Resources Assessment led to policy and legislative changes and highlighted the need for broader sectoral reforms.
• Czech Republic: The SEA for the Plan of Main River Basins focused on environmental and institutional impacts, promoting sustainable water allocation.
• Nepal: The Medium Hydropower SEA used a formal screening and ranking methodology to identify sustainable development options.
• Indonesia: The SEA for the WATSAL Loan examined the sustainability of water-related programs and provided insights for better management.
• Australia: The Environmental Flows Assessment in the Pioneer Catchment was a scientific exercise focused on environmental flow needs.
• South Africa: The SEA of the Mhlathuze Catchment provided environmental information and supported catchment water allocation planning.
• India: The SEA for the Palar Basin led to a broader rollout of water resource assessments and improved institutional structures.
• Laos: The Nam Theun II Hydropower Development included both Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA), assessing both environmental and social impacts.
• East Africa: The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Program for Lake Victoria addressed cross-border water management issues.

Water Policies

Four national and state water policies were analyzed for their inclusion of environmental considerations. All recognized the importance of environmental water, but the level of detail and commitment varied. The Victorian policy was the most comprehensive, being entirely based on environmental sustainability.

Framework for SEA Expansion

The report recommends a framework for expanding the use of SEAs in the water sector, which includes:

• Bridge disciplinary perspectives: Encourage understanding between environmental and water resources professionals.
• Establish an enabling environment: Promote harmonization of sectoral policies to support IWRM and SEA.
• Build capacity: Educate decision-makers and sectoral staff on the benefits of SEAs and how to conduct them.
• Plan SEAs effectively: Ensure clear terms of reference, appropriate analytical methods, and stakeholder involvement.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes that SEAs can significantly enhance the integration of environmental sustainability into water resource governance and decision-making. It advocates for a more strategic and inclusive approach to SEA implementation, supported by institutional capacity and public participation, to ensure effective IWRM.