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Dams and Development E-Paper Contents

p. -1 of 74 BACK | NEXT Home Page of Dams and Development Foreword I. Why an e-paper on dams and development? II. Assessing options III. Participatory processes IV. Social impacts V. Environmental impacts VI. Benefit distribution VII. Dam safety and sustainability VIII. Existing projects IX. Improving governance X. What other organizations say XI. ADB, Dams, and Development XII. References Contact Us

Guidance from the International Association for Impact Assessment

In November 2001, the International Association of Impact Assessment approved a special publication that summarizes the performance criteria of an SEA. It states an SEA:

• Ensures an appropriate environmental assessment of all strategic decisions relevant for the achievement of sustainable development.
• Addresses the interrelationships of biophysical, social and economic aspects.
• Is tiered to policies in relevant sectors and (transboundary) regions and, where appropriate, to project EIA and decision making.

• Facilitates identification of development options and alternative proposals that are more sustainable.

• Provides sufficient, reliable and usable information for development planning and decision making.
• Concentrates on key issues of sustainable development.
• Is customized to the characteristics of the decision making process.
• Is cost- and time-effective.

• Is the responsibility of the leading agencies for the strategic decision to be taken.
• Is carried out with professionalism, rigor, fairness, impartiality and balance.
• Is subject to independent checks and verification
• Documents and justifies how sustainability issues were taken into account in decision making.

• Informs and involves interested and affected public and government bodies throughout the decision making process.
• Explicitly addresses their inputs and concerns in documentation and decision making.
• Has clear, easily-understood information requirements and ensures sufficient access to all relevant information.

• Ensures availability of the assessment results early enough to influence the decision making process and inspire future planning.
• Provides sufficient information on the actual impacts of implementing a strategic decision, to judge whether this decision should be amended and to provide a basis for future decisions.

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