Closely related to strategic environmental assessments, finds another type of background study covering larger areas in a non-project-specific context; so-called Regional Background Assessment (RBA).
The purpose of an RBU is, inter alia, to guide mining companies wishing to carry out raw material activities in an area, as well as to assist the authorities in their planning and regulation of such activities. The more knowledge exists about an area’s geology, environmental chemistry, biodiversity, cultural heritage and human use, the easier and more targeted activities can be planned in the area. Similarly, it is valuable to identify where knowledge is lacking in these areas.
RBUs thus pool knowledge across multiple topics and try to give an overall impression of a site’s sensitivity to disturbance and environmental impact. Many of the data from these surveys can be expressed, inter alia, visually on maps, thus helping authorities and stakeholders to have a more thorough overall picture.
The Regional Background Assessment (RBA) are prepared and updated by the Danish Centre for Environment and Energy (DCE) and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR), on behalf of Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA). An overview of existing RBUs can be found on the DCE’s website, from which a map portal with visualisation of the processed data can also be accessed.
Below are links to the produced RBAs