Part III : How to Conduct SEA?
A Generic SEA Process - An Iterative Process
Generic Steps of SEA
(click any box for details)
Continuous and earliest possible interaction with stakeholders and the public Understanding the needs, nature & objectives of PPPs
Design/select SEA process & methods
Initial screening & scoping
Base line/background studies
Identify & examine strategic environmental issues & linkages
Identify & evaluate possible options, alternative means & resulting environmental implications
Identify & evaluate preferred options
Determine follow-up actions, monitoring requirements
 
Step 2 : Designing or Selecting Suitable Process and Methods

According to the nature and objectives of the PPPs, the whole SEA processes along with major steps should be designed or selected in light of specific circumstances to fit in with the PPP decision mechanism and the timeframes of other associated studies. The aim is to provide environmental inputs at critical stages. As far as possible, a scientifically robust SEA should be carried out. However, in extreme situations where a decision on a PPP is required to be made within a short timeframe, the SEA processes and methods should be relatively fast tracked and professional judgments and/or precedents might be employed to save time and efforts. However, decision makers must be alerted of the risks involved and the associated uncertainties as a result of a simple and fast tracked assessment process.

+ Example - Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy (HK2030)

https://www.pland.gov.hk/file/planning_studies/comp_s/hk2030plus/index.htm

The SEA was divided into four stages coincided with the major study, providing environmental inputs at every critical time juncture.

(click to enlarge)
Figure 7 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Process HK2030 : Planning Vision and Strategy
Figure 7 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Process HK2030 : Planning Vision and Strategy

Appropriate strategic performance indicators, criteria and evaluation methodologies should be established. Experiences showed that if the performance indicators and criteria are linked at the early stage to sustainability, as well as the environmental carrying capacity, the chance of having a sustainable PPP at the end of the SEA would be much higher. The key concerns, the resultant environmental implications and the performance comparison should be clearly described and quantified where appropriate to enhance the reliability of the findings. If quantification cannot be undertaken, the reasonings, the basis and assumptions behind qualitative judgment should be described and explained in greater details.