ENABLING DIMENSIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Environmental management guidelines (EMGs) can only be a limited means to foster processes that depend foremost on the competence, creativity and commitment of the individuals affected, and on sensitive and constructive consultation, indispensable in dealing adequately with highly complex realities. The importance of the enabling dimensions of environmental assessment (EA) is argued, which may be structural features, meta-instructions or complementary support measures that facilitate a meaningful EA process. Environmental assessment needs to be based on participation and consultation. The communicability of EMGs is thus essential. The concept of 'environmental opportunities' is a useful complement to 'impacts'. Screening, instead of being applied mechanistically, should be a substantial initial step in a consultative EA process. Corresponding to reality and the need for coherent planning, EA must be integrated into the core guidelines for project planning and the main planning processes. Other cross-sectoral issues should be integrated in the same way.