Biodiversity in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of municipal spatial plans in finland

Abstract

This article examines the current practices of Finnish SEA with regard to inclusion of biodiversity issues in land use planning. The study of local master planning revealed that impact predictions have a limited influence on final plans due to a missing link between baseline studies and impact prediction. Land use SEA is very baseline oriented. It overemphasizes certain narrow biodiversity elements in studies and consequently in the whole planning process in order to avoid legal appeals for approved plans. There is also a tension between the proactive, opportunities constraints approach and the reactive approach in assessing impacts of a drafted plan. A strong need was expressed by consultants, planners and authorities for more holistic data and assessment regarding ecosystem functions and ecological connections and networks, but this need has not been realized in practice. To change assessment practices, holistic approaches and tools, such as ecosystem services type and green infrastructure planning, should be used in SEAs of spatial planning.