Implementing Strategic Environmental Assessment [Paperback]

This comprehensive Handbook describes the implementation of SEA in 18 countries around the world, as well as a critical analysis of different SEA methodologies. It introduces key SEA principles and the legal requirements of the new European SEA Directive, which became law in 2004, and describes the implementation of SEA in 11 European Union countries, as well as the USA, Canada and New Zealand. This is contrasted with SEA requirements of four developing countries.

More countries are now using Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) than ever before. This timely and comprehensive Handbook describes the implementation of SEA in 18 countries around the world, as well as a critical analysis of different SEA methodologies. The Handbook starts by introducing key SEA principles and the legal requirements of the new European SEA Directive (which became law in 2004). It then describes the implementation of SEA in 11 European Union countries, as well as the USA, Canada and New Zealand. This is contrasted with SEA requirements of four developing countries. The Handbook explores public participation issues and the wide-range of SEA methodologies used in terms of resources (soils, water and biodiversity) and sectors of activity (transport, agriculture, waste management and industry). The Handbook concludes with a discussion on best practice, capacity building and the future of SEA.

Key Principles of SEA.- Purpose and Background of the European SEA Directive.- Legal Context of the SEA Directive  Links with other Legislation and Key Procedures.- Transposition of the SEA Directive into National Law  Challenges and Possibilities.- Some Legal Problems of Implementing the SEA Directive into Member States Legal Systems.- Current SEA Practice in England.- Implementing SEA in Germany.- Implementing SEA in Italy  The Case of the Emilia Romagna Region.- First Experiences with Implementing SEA Legislation in Flanders (Belgium).- Implementing SEA in Al4