Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) evaluate the potential environmental implications of proposed policies, plans, and programs. By integrating environmental considerations into decision-making at an early stage, SEAs promote sustainable development and ensure a high level of environmental protection.
What is an SEA?
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) involve a systematic process that evaluates the environmental consequences of proposed policies, plans, and programs before they are adopted, in order to identify and avoid negative impacts and maximise positive ones.
- The goal is to help understand the development context of the strategy being assessed, to identify problems and potentials accordingly, address key trends, and assess environmental and sustainable viable options that will achieve strategic issues.
- Stakeholder consultation and public participation are considered an integral part of the process.
Discover how AIS Environment carried out an SEA on the National Waste Management Plan
When is an SEA required?
In Malta, SEA is a legal requirement under the Environment and Development Planning Act of 2010, which transposed the EU Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programs on the environment. This means that all plans and programs that are likely to have significant environmental effects must undergo an SEA, which includes a public consultation process and the preparation of a report that outlines the potential impacts and mitigation measures.
The aim is to ensure that environmental considerations are fully integrated into the decision-making process and that the public is involved and informed.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Aim to protect the environment by integrating environmental considerations into the concept phase of large-scale developments.
1. Screening phase
AIS experts compile the screening form, which provides a description of the relevant policy and assesses the policy against legislation. We also handle the consultation with the SEA Focal Point.
2. Scoping phase
AIS then prepares a Scoping report which outlines the methodology to be followed as part of the SEA. We handle the consultation with the SEA Focal Point, stakeholders and the public.
3. SEA Environmental report
AIS write up a detailed report describing the policy and legislative framework and the existing national environmental conditions. Our experts identify potential environmental impacts from the policy and put forward recommendations to reduce negative impacts and enhance positive ones.
4. Consultations
AIS handle consultations with the SEA Focal point, stakeholders and the public. If necessary, we consult with international organisations too. Such consultations may necessitate workshops, meetings and presentations which are all led by AIS.
