Protecting Biodiversity in Urban Counties
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Certification Maintenance
What You'll Learn
- Discover best practices on how to balance natural resource protection and development, and resolve challenges stemming from politics, resource constraints, or public opinions.
- Learn how an impact-based approach to natural resource protection and early biological assessment may be beneficial to good project design and protection of biodiversity.
- Discover how to employ public engagement strategies shared at the session on how to engage with members of the public with differing views on natural resource protection.
More Course Details
Los Angeles County, home to more than 10 million residents, is one of the 25 hot spots of biological diversity on earth. Officially designated Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) contain irreplaceable biological resources, and the objective is to conserve genetic and physical diversity.
The ordinance that establishes the permitting, design standards, and review process for development within SEAs is being updated for the first time since 1982. The 36-year gap encompasses shifts in public perspective, political players, and understanding of ecosystem functions.
The comprehensive overhaul of the SEA Ordinance began with the update of the county general plan in 1998. Utilizing an impact-based approach to balance natural resource protection and development is a step forward from traditional use-based regulations.
Learn about the impact-based process that allows for earlier involvement from the planning department and guidance for better designed projects. The evolution of the SEA program is a culmination of technical studies, public engagement, and addressing challenges and opportunities.