Futures planning: a systemic approach Futures planning: a systemic approach

A major challenge that Australia is facing at all levels of government, like many other countries, is the need for an improved understanding of the planning process, and thus increasing the chances of achieving more sustainable environments. In order to attain this kind of development, changes should be made in several key areas; these changes need to be supported by a clear vision of the future which reflects a better perception of the different systems that support this vision. This paper explores the relevant literature and reviews the potential for the combined use of Backcasting and Strategic Environmental Assessment in the achievement of the vision. A framework is proposed which integrates these two concepts: Backcasting, which involves working backwards from a desirable future, and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which represents a complementary tool for considering environmental impacts at strategic levels. This framework, based on the concept of “systems”, is presented as an alternative to supplement the planning process at a strategic level.