COURSE OVERVIEW
The introduction of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) extends the aims and principles of environmental impact assessment (EIA) upstream to the higher, pre-project level of decision-making. It affords an important new means of analyzing and addressing the environmental effects of policies, plans, programmes and other proposed strategic actions such as parliamentary bills. All those involved in EIA practice should have an understanding of SEA what it is, why it has emerged and how it contributes to informed decision-making in support of environmental protection and sustainable development.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Central & Local Government officials involved in the formulation, planning and implementation of economy-wide policies, strategies, programmes, plans, and legislation. These include officials working in Government ministries/departments such as environment, natural resources, economic planning, tourism, mining, energy, infrastructure, roads, agriculture, water, defense, local government, parastatals and regulatory agencies. Officials in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice are eligible to attend the course.
HOW PARTICIPANTS WILL BENEFIT
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Review the rationale and objectives of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA);
• Analyze the institutional arrangements required to undertake SEA;
• Assess the scope of application of SEA in relation to levels and types of decision-making;
• Examine the key principles of SEA and elements of good practice;
• Apply the process, procedures and methods that are used to carry out SEA good practice;
• Document all this in SEA reports, and through stakeholder consultation, implement, review & monitor progress.
TOPICS INCLUDE
• Definition of strategic environmental assessment (SEA);
• Understanding the strategic actions;
• Timing of SEA;
• Planning systems;
• Engaging the public;
• Institutional context for effective SEA;
• Describing the environmental baseline;
• Strategic action indicators, objectives and targets;
• SEA objectives and SEA frameworks;
• Scoping and early consultation;
• Environmental assessment process;
• SEA implementation, reporting, review and monitoring. |
