European Experiences: the case of Scotland

Amanda ChisholmSEA Specialist

6 March 2012

Purpose of Presentation

• to discuss the value and effectiveness of SEA in Scotland

Outline

• background information• value/ effectiveness • issues/ challenges• the future

The Environmental Assessment

of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004

SEA Directive 2001/42/EC

Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005

• UK-wide• plans, programmes

• Scottish public bodies• plans, programmes,

strategies (PPS)

Features

• formal reporting stages• statutory consultation deadlines• Consultation Authorities:

– Scottish Environment Protection Agency– Scottish Natural Heritage– Historic Scotland

• Responsible Authorities (plan owners)

Scottish Government’s SEA Gateway

• central contact point– communication – deadlines

• guidance:– SEA Forum– SEA Toolkit– queries

• interests of Scottish Ministers

PPS: 2006-11

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

0

50

100

150

200

250

PPS and sectors: 2006-11

Legislation / Policy

Community

Economic Educational

Health

AgricultureForestry

Fisheries

Industry

Energy

Transport

Waste Management

Water Management

Telecommunication

Tourism

Town & Country planning & Land Use

Miscellaneous

Scottish GovernmentEnvironmental Assessment Team

strategic environmental assessment habitats

regulationsappraisal

environmentalimpactassessment

Scottish Government SEA 2006-11

agriculture

forestry

fisheries & aquaculture

energy

industry

transport

waste

water

telecoms

sports & tourism

land use/ town & countryplanningenvironment

Value / Effectiveness

Why SEA?

• environmental effects of decisions at plan level

• need to adequately capture environmental costs and benefits

Purpose of SEA

• to integrate environmental factors into decision-making

• thereby achieving:– sustainable development– environmental protection

• early and effective opportunity for public participation

• accountability

SEA Effectiveness Review

• Objectives:– environmental protection and improvement– better regulation

What is working well?

• efficient and proportionate operation• innovation• opportunities for consultation• influencing PPS• sustainable development and climate change

objectives• Consultation Authority and SEA Gateway

working well• good range of guidance / rapid learning

What can be improved?• understanding of SEA• application across all sectors• targeted improvements to SEA process • focus on significant effects• integration between SEA and PPS• earlier stakeholder engagement• simplify / clarify SEA documents• mitigation• proportionate: time and resources in balance with

benefits for public policy• climate change

Is SEA making a difference?

• yes:– plan shaper– fine tuner

• challenge:– to better shape Scottish public policy-

making

Is SEA undertaken efficiently?

• room for improvement:– improve SEA process– focus on significant issues– earlier information provision– earlier issues resolution– timing– integration of SEA and PPS processes– integrate into corporate culture

Planning Cycle

Problem

Solutions

Test / consult

Select option

Implement

Monitor / evaluate

Change

Planning Cycle / SEA

Problem

Solutions

Test / consult

Select option

Implement

Monitor / evaluate

Change

screening

scoping

assessmentdecision statement

monitoring

consultation

baseline information

Theoretical perspective – policy cycle

Problem

Solutions

Test / consult

Select option

Implement

Monitor / evaluate

Change

academicsactivists

lobbyists

politicians

government

public

environmental NGOs

public

environmental NGOs

stakeholders

academics

government

stakeholders

lobbyists

government

government

public

Proportionate SEA

• SEA: an effective tool for protecting & enhancing the environment…

….or a ‘legal obstaclecourse’?

Proportionate SEA

• reporting• focus on significant issues• scoping• accessibility to decision-makers and

stakeholders• managing uncertainty

Recommendations• promote value of SEA• improve efficiency and proportionality• focus SEA: scoping / evidence base• integrate SEA and plan-making• greater clarity• mitigation and enhancement• working together• deliver climate change targets• earlier engagement• continue to reflect on experience

Questions?