Issues and dilemmas in ecological scoping: scientific, procedural and economic perspectives

Abstract

Prior research has shown that ecological scoping is the most important factor in determining the quality of environmental impact statements in Israel. Hence, improved ecological scoping has been called for. This paper identifies and discusses four fundamental dilemmas that need to be addressed in the ecological scoping process: biodiversity assessments, appropriate spatial and temporal scales, and cumulative ecological effects. The scientific, procedural and economic aspects of these dilemmas are discussed and practical suggestions for scoping presented: a modular ecological scoping process for early identification of the most detrimental projects, and a generic blueprint for ecological scoping, to help craft case-specific ecological guidelines.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• cumulative effects
• ecological impact assessment
• ecosystem perspective
• Israel
• scoping