Part I : What is SEA?

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While there are different definitions adopted in different countries, it is generally agreed that SEA is a systematic process for evaluating strategic environmental implications of proposed policies, plans and programmes (PPPs) and alternatives during the early stage of decision-making process. SEA has been widely adopted in many countries as a tool to facilitate integration of environmental considerations into PPP formulation processes and to facilitate the achievement of long term sustainability.

	What is SEA ? “A systematic process, with multi-stakeholder involvement, for analysing and evaluating environmental implications of proposed policies, plans and programmes, for assisting in strategic or planning decision-making; and for following up strategic or planning decisions.”
	Source : Mr. Elvis AU , Assistant Director (Environmental Assessment and Noise), Environmental Protection Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2004)