[TYPE THE COMPANY NAME]
GGH3705 Assignment
2 Semester 2 | Due 18
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
GGH3705 Assignment 2 Semester 2 | Due 18
August 2025
Course
Assessing Environmental Impacts (GGH3705)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Question 1 [15] Critically analyse the role and ability of strategic
environmental assessment (SEA) in overcoming the shortcomings of EIA.
Question 2 [30] Critically discuss the content and requirements of the
environmental management plan (EMP) for three (3) countries. Your answer
needs to include the purpose, importance and characteristics of the EMP for
each country.
Question 1 — Critically analyse the role and
ability of Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) in overcoming the
shortcomings of EIA (15 marks)
Introduction (short)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is primarily focused on predicting and mitigating the
impacts of individual projects. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) applies similar
principles at the level of policies, plans and programmes (PPPs) in order to “mainstream”
environmental considerations earlier and at a higher decision tier. SEA therefore promises to
address many weaknesses of project-level EIA by influencing decisions before project design is
fixed. UNEP - UN Environment Programme+1
Main shortcomings of conventional EIA
1. Late timing and restricted scope: EIA is typically applied when project design is
already advanced so options are limited; strategic choices about location, scale and
alternatives have often already been made. Taylor & Francis Online
2. Poor treatment of cumulative and indirect impacts: EIA frequently focuses narrowly
on a single development, underestimating cumulative regional or sectoral effects.
ScienceDirect
3. Weak link to planning/policy: EIA often fails to influence higher-level policies or
integrate with land-use/sectoral planning. UNECE
4. Variable quality and limited follow-through: EIAs can be rushed, consultant-driven,
and lack robust monitoring or adaptive management after approval. ResearchGate
GGH3705 Assignment
2 Semester 2 | Due 18
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
GGH3705 Assignment 2 Semester 2 | Due 18
August 2025
Course
Assessing Environmental Impacts (GGH3705)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Question 1 [15] Critically analyse the role and ability of strategic
environmental assessment (SEA) in overcoming the shortcomings of EIA.
Question 2 [30] Critically discuss the content and requirements of the
environmental management plan (EMP) for three (3) countries. Your answer
needs to include the purpose, importance and characteristics of the EMP for
each country.
Question 1 — Critically analyse the role and
ability of Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) in overcoming the
shortcomings of EIA (15 marks)
Introduction (short)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is primarily focused on predicting and mitigating the
impacts of individual projects. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) applies similar
principles at the level of policies, plans and programmes (PPPs) in order to “mainstream”
environmental considerations earlier and at a higher decision tier. SEA therefore promises to
address many weaknesses of project-level EIA by influencing decisions before project design is
fixed. UNEP - UN Environment Programme+1
Main shortcomings of conventional EIA
1. Late timing and restricted scope: EIA is typically applied when project design is
already advanced so options are limited; strategic choices about location, scale and
alternatives have often already been made. Taylor & Francis Online
2. Poor treatment of cumulative and indirect impacts: EIA frequently focuses narrowly
on a single development, underestimating cumulative regional or sectoral effects.
ScienceDirect
3. Weak link to planning/policy: EIA often fails to influence higher-level policies or
integrate with land-use/sectoral planning. UNECE
4. Variable quality and limited follow-through: EIAs can be rushed, consultant-driven,
and lack robust monitoring or adaptive management after approval. ResearchGate
