Strategic environmental assessment in Jordan : needs, challenges, constraints and how to overcome

Dissertant

Qazzaz, Adnan Muhammad M.

Thesis advisor

Hayik, Bassam Usamah

Comitee Members

al-Sharif, Munjid
Saidan, Mutasim
al-Hamud, Nisrin

University

Princess Sumaya University for Technology

Faculty

King Talal School of Business Technology

Department

Department Management Information Systems

University Country

Jordan

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2012

English Abstract

It is increasingly realized that the planning and programming of the country wide resources and the emerged environmental challenges at present cannot be dealt with using the same traditional ways that were implemented in Jordan in the last three decades.

In this research the opportunity and possibility of improving the environmental protection and resources management legislations in Jordan by including the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as a superior tool for adequate decision making and achieving sustainable development goals in the country are to be critically reviewed and checked.

Mainstreaming environmental issues in the decision making process through adopting SEA and its effect in the sustainable development in the country is to be considered. The research shows that key challenges and difficulties hindering the application of SEA including the inadequate awareness of SEA, despite prior efforts in setting a Road Map for SEA in Jordan.

The institutional setup among concerned organizations, lack follow up on previous projects (such as the work on SEA development) and poor coordination were found issues facing SEA application.

As a result information sharing and management, which is a key activity for successful SEA, has been ineffective.

The technical constraints are associated with the unavailability of data and some expertise in SEA.

The financial constraints are somehow related to inadequate appreciation of the need to do SEA in addition to the shortage of financial resources.

In such a case, the implementation of SEA has been seen as an expensive undertaking. The research recommends saving time and cost by building on the already conducted studies and researches conducted.

Particular attention is worth giving to the efforts related to institutional and capacity building for the different stakeholders.

The way forward in these respects has been proposed.

Having a SEA bylaw is essential including taking necessary steps to modify the Jordanian legislations in relation to SEA.

The research provides suggested modifications to be made to the main text of the Environmental Protection Law (No.

52 of 2006) and proposes a draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Bylaw.

This has been developed by referring to the Jordanian Environmental Impact Assessment bylaw and international SEA bylaws, guidelines and experiences.

The proposed SEA bylaw and plan of action for implementing SEA respond to the local conditions and needs and yet reflect and benefit from the international experience.

Main Subjects

Earth Sciences, Water and Environment

Topics

• Strategic planning
• Environmental policy
• Jordan
• Environmental aspects

No. of Pages

143

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-316132