Executive Summary

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are the most commonly known, used, and globally widespread, environmental planning and management tools, with Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) also gaining increasing momentum over the last decade. The objective of these tools is to make sure that all critical information to predict future impact on the environment is supplied and considered in the decision-making process. While EIAs assess planned physical developments, SEAs target the strategic planning level, such as government plans, programmes or policies. Both aim to avoid the implementation of any activity or strategic planning document with significant negative impacts on the environment, as well as an enhancement of positive impacts.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Climate Action

Life on Land