Strategic environmental assessment (SEA)
While EIA addresses an individual project, strategic assessment addresses plans and programmes — spatial plans, local environmental action plans, sectoral strategies. The aim is to see impacts at the planning stage, while they can still be changed. We led the SEA for the Ohrid Local Environmental Action Plan 2019–2025, covering a UNESCO-protected area.
What the service covers
- Assessment of whether SEA is required for the plan or programme
- Description of the plan’s objectives and its relationship to other plans and programmes
- Description of the baseline and the likely development without the plan
- Identification of areas of particular importance, including protected areas
- Evaluation of likely significant effects of implementation
- Measures to prevent and reduce adverse effects
- Measures for monitoring during implementation of the plan
- A non-technical summary and support in stakeholder consultation
How the process works
Screening decision
We establish whether the plan or programme requires SEA and prepare the reasoning.
Scoping and consultation
We define the scope of the report and consult the relevant authorities on its content.
SEA report
We prepare the report with an evaluation of effects, measures and a monitoring programme.
Public review
We take part in the public review, address comments and finalise the report.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SEA and EIA?
SEA applies to plans and programmes at the planning stage. EIA applies to a specific project before its approval. A plan that has undergone SEA does not remove the EIA obligation for the individual projects within it.
Do you have experience with protected areas?
Yes. We led the strategic assessment for the Ohrid Local Environmental Action Plan 2019–2025, covering a UNESCO-protected area — Lake Ohrid, Galichica National Park and Studenchishte Marsh.
Who may prepare an SEA report?
A person holding strategic environmental assessment expert status, obtained by passing the professional examination before the Ministry and entered on the list of SEA experts.
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