Introduction to SEA

procedural tool to integrate environmental and health considerations into plans,

programmes as well as to policies and legislation alongside the economic and social considerations

robust assessment of the likely environmental and health consequences, and

of their relationship with the objectives and development proposals of the plan/programme;
- identification of development alternatives; and
- outcomes of the consultations;
Enable consultations with governmental agencies as well as public in the preparation of plans, programmes and policies, including, if relevant, a transboundary aspect;
Ensure that the results of assessment and debate are taken into account during decision-making and implementation.

protection
Improves the quality of planning
Facilitates identification of new development opportunities
Helps

to prevent costly mistakes
Increases the efficiency of decision-making and strengthens governance

Applied as early as possible in decision-making process
Focused on

key issues
Evaluates reasonable range of alternatives
Provides appropriate opportunities for involvement of key stakeholders & the public
Carried out with appropriate, cost-effective methods & techniques of analysis
Individual SEA adjusted to the document assessed, considering its focus, planning process, structure of the document, governmental agencies and other stakeholders involved etc.

local authorities)
Environmental and health authorities
The public (natural or

legal persons, civil society, non-governmental organizations, etc.)
Decision-makers (government, parliament, regional or municipal councils)
Other governmental institutions
Consultants and experts

examines individual outputs of the planning process and it may

propose any necessary amendments
Optimally, SEA should be carried out in parallel with planning, when
- The lead process is the planning process, and
- SEA fits into the logic and steps of the planning process

Thus, both processes can be seen as mutually reinforcing tools within one robust planning system for more sustainable development