Ympäristöselonteko

Ympäristöselonteko is a Finnish term that translates to environmental report or environmental statement. It is a document that assesses the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, plan, or policy. The purpose of an ympäristöselonteko is to provide information to decision-makers, the public, and other stakeholders to help them understand the likely environmental consequences of a proposed action before it is implemented.

The content of an ympäristöselonteko typically includes a description of the proposed project, an analysis of the existing environment, an assessment of the potential positive and negative environmental impacts, and proposed mitigation measures to reduce any adverse effects. It may also consider alternatives to the proposed project and their respective environmental impacts. The scope and level of detail required for an ympäristöselonteko can vary depending on the nature and scale of the project.

In Finland, the process of preparing and reviewing an ympäristöselonteko is often governed by specific legislation, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure. The EIA procedure ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into the planning and decision-making processes for projects that may have significant environmental effects. Public participation is a key component of the EIA process, allowing affected communities and individuals to provide input and raise concerns regarding the proposed development. The findings of an ympäristöselonteko inform the final decision on whether to approve or reject the project, and under what conditions.