STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO COMBATING MARINE LITTER: AN ANALYSIS OF METHODOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

Abstract

Objective: Identify and analyze methodological structures that are appropriate and effective for the construction of a new Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) approach aimed at combating marine litter. Theoretical Framework: The fight against marine litter is understood as a context, that is, a set of elements that influence the choice of SEA approach. Its complexity is related to the sectoral profile, where solid waste management and coastal management are the key sectors. The literature does not present a SEA approach focused on this context, even given the ecological, socio-environmental relevance and challenges of the Decade of Ocean Science. Method: The methodology is qualitative and is divided into two stages: identification and selection of existing methodological structures; and analysis and selection of Elements of Methodological Frameworks. Methods such as Systematic Literature Review, Content Analysis, and Cross Comparison Analysis were used. Results and Discussion: It was possible to identify 5 methodological structures and select 13 elements of these structures that were significantly related to the participatory criteria of the priority actions of Brazilian public policies. Research Implications: The next step is to materialize the new SEA approach through the construction of a conceptual model that integrates all the elements of the selected methodological structures. Originality/Value: This study begins a process of developing a new methodological tool to contribute to efforts to combat marine litter in Brazil.