RENA Newsletter 6_July.pdf - Renanetwork.org

EIA/SEARENA WG 3 EIA/SEA Sub-groupRegional Workshop on SEA/EIA – main differences and common featuresThe links between EIA and SEA Directives superficially appear obvious. On the otherhand, many links may be subtle, complex and unclear. Environmental assessmenthas long be held to be a key tool in achieving one of the cornerstones of EuropeanCommunity environmental policy, that of environmental integration. Both Directiveswill be central to future efforts to improve the integration of the environment intodecision making. But this will be an essential pre-requisite for moving towards moreenvironmental sustainable development. The effectiveness of both Directives maybe maximized by a much clearer understanding of how they may operate togetherin complementary and possibly more synergistic ways.The main objectives of the regional workshop held in Mostar, BiH in the period 24– 25 April 2012 were to familiarise the participants with pros and cons of applyingSEA or EIA for various types of plans, programmes and projects; to increase theirunderstand of EIA/SEA role preparation and implementation of plans, programmesand projects enabling determination of the proper design and to increase theirability to decide if SEA or EIA should be applied and to coordinate transboundaryconsultations.Through case studies participants investigated the similarities and differences of EIAand SEA, their positions in the decision making cycle, key recipients, transboundaryeffects, etc.RENA WG 3 Nature Sub-groupRegional Workshop - Module 4: Nature Management: Conducting NatureImpact AssessmentsModule 4: Nature Management: Conducting Nature Impact Assessments was heldat the Mali Sharr Mountain National Park in the period 15-17 May 2012.The purpose of the Module 4: Conducting Nature Impact Assessments was totransfer the knowledge on:• Required data for conducting impact analysis (acid deposition impact, airpollution impacts, fragmentation impacts; noise impacts);• Steps for a Full Nature Impact Assessment;• How to deal with gaps in knowledge and data;• Case studiesThe participants of the workshops were divided in two groups:Group 1: High level nature experts from the relevant Ministries of all the RENAcountries (three nominated experts per RENA country, who will attend all modules):In total 24 participants per module;Group 2: Local site managers (e.g. park management) together with localstakeholders (maximum participants from the cross border region: 6 per country:From each RENA country 2 representatives from Municipalities; 2 representativesfrom local business community; and 2 representatives from the Nature ProtectionAreas (site managers).RENA Newsletter No 6 - July 20129