Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
would still include the subject matter set out in the Annex as information
on likely environmental effects is required to assess the relative merits of
different land use con
gurations. It should also advance the progressive
goals of the system by requiring analysis of alternative possibilities for
reducing consumption, for enhancing the ef
ciency of resource use and
for employing preferred policy options.
Environmental impact assessment, whose value has tended to be down-
played as the use of strategic environmental assessment has increased,
would also be revitalised in two respects:
rst, as a tool for reviewing and
actively in
uencing locational decisions in view of the ecological impor-
tance of certain places and of decision rules on preferring alternatives that
present no ostensible threat to the environment; and, second, as a means of
giving plan-making teeth by ensuring, again in combination with decision
rules, that the type of development proposals that come forwards from the
market fall to be reviewed against the indications of favoured development
given in ecologically oriented policies and strategic plans. In both respects,
environmental impact assessment would have a more proactive role in
forming operational decisions rather than reacting to them as they are
presented.
