CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES RELATED TO MONITORING IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has emerged as a tool that supports decision making in order to ensure the consideration of environmental issues in strategic planning such as policies, plans and programs (PPP). SEA, however, does not end with the adoption of the PPP. It is required as one of SEA stages that a monitoring process should be established, aiming at identifying the significant environmental effects from PPP implementation, the unforeseen adverse effects and the adoption of appropriate remedial actions. This paper presents the concepts and methodologies for SEA monitoring. Aiming at discussing the concepts and practical issues an analysis of two practical experiences was carried out, both in England, under a regional (Sustainability Appraisal of the Draft East Midlands Regional Plan) and a local basis (Sustainability Appraisal of the North Hertfordshire Local Development Framework). Good practice criteria were identified both in the literature and the requirements established by the SEA Directive. It was found that even in England, which is considered a reference in terms of research and practice of SEA, there are still a number of adjustments to be done and failures to be improved for monitoring purposes, especially regarding the identification of remedial actions for negative environmental impacts. Thus, to achieve the goals outlined for SEA there is a clear need to ensure the feedback process using information identified in the monitoring.