Exploring the concept of strategic environmental assessment follow-up

Abstract

This article explores the concept of SEA follow-up, addressing first its complexity at the level of strategic decision-making. To deal with this complexity, a multi-track approach is proposed. This will allow for the use of those methods, moments and information that prove to be useful in a specific case. Some preliminary guidance is given on how to devise an SEA follow-up programme using a stepwise approach. Far from attempting to provide any prescriptive direction about how to carry out SEA follow-up, the article seeks to articulate key concepts and lessons gained from such activities. SEA follow-up is basically about managing the policy and planning implementation processes or, more generally, about managing the implementation of strategic level decisions.

Keywords:

• SEA
• follow-up
• policy-making
• planning
• decision-making
• impact assessment
• adaptive management