SEA: Strategic Environmental Assessment

Assessing plans and programmes for their environmental impact

Imagine the following situation: the construction of a new railway line is planned near where you live. When you realise the scale of the project, questions arise in your mind. Will there be adverse effects on the natural habitats, flora and fauna in the areas where the work will be carried out? Will such issues be taken into account in the design of the programme? And will you be able to express your concerns?

From now on, the answer is yes. Belgium has transposed the European Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment. This requires authorities preparing plans and programmes to assess the environmental impact of their actions and organise public participation.

How? Read on to find out more!