Widening the scope: strategic environmental assessment - Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - page 368

Providing information on the decision:
When the plan is adopted, the public and any countries consulted under Article 7 must
be informed and the following made available to those so informed:
• the plan as adopted
• a statement summarising how environmental considerations have been integrated into
the plan and how the environmental report of Article 5, the opinions expressed
pursuant to Article 6 and the results of consultations entered into pursuant to Article 7
have been taken into account in accordance with Article 8, and the reasons for
choosing the plan as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt
with; and
• the measures decided concerning monitoring (Article 9)
Monitoring the significant environmental effects of the plan's implementation (Article
10)
( Source: ODPM 2003.)
12.3.5 United Nations
In May 2003, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) adopted
an SEA Protocol similar to the European SEA Directive as a supplement to its 1991
Convention on EIA in a Transboundary Context (the Espoo Convention). States have
been able to ratify the Protocol as of 1 January 2004. It will come into force 90 days after
the sixteenth State has ratified, though it may be several years before this occurs.
Although negotiated under the UNECE (which covers Europe, US, Canada, the Caucasus
and Central Asia), the Protocol is open to all UN members.
The Protocol's requirements are broadly similar to, and compatible with, those of the
EU Directive. Broadly the same types of plans and programmes require SEA under the
Protocol; the environmental report required by the Protocol is similar to that required by
the Directive, and the consultation requirements are similar. The Protocol is more focused
on health impacts; makes more references to public participation; and addresses policies
and legislation, although it only requires SEA of plans and programmes.
12.4 SEA in the UK
The SEA Directive has had a huge influence on SEA practice in Europe, and, indirectly
through the UNECE Protocol, worldwide. In the UK, prior to the Directive, an
abbreviated form of SEA—“environmental appraisal” or “sustainability appraisal”—was
widely carried out. Post-Directive, SEA practice will be much more robust, but will also
require more resources and expertise.