AN INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, WITH REFERENCE TO WORLD HERITAGE AREAS GLOBALLY AND IN AUSTRALIAN COASTAL ZONES
Abstract
This paper examines international best practice with strategic environmental assessment (SEA), which is designed to advance sustainability and overcome weaknesses in environmental impact assessment (EIA). It illustrates how government, business and the community have identified the need for SEA. It explains why there has been a substantial debate regarding the importance of establishing key principles, and why consideration must be given to decision and policy contexts in order to guide future successful development. Methods and procedures are outlined, and SEA practice and potential nationally, regionally and globally is considered with particular regard to World Heritage Areas (WHAs). Conclusions and recommendations are drawn with specific reference to the current and future position of SEA and WHAs in Australian coastal zones.
This article is based upon a paper presented at the final session entitled "World Heritage Areas - Australia and International", of the 20th National Environmental Law Association Conference, "Land and Sea: Our Shared Environment", Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 30-31 August 2001. The first part of the article forms the introductory chapter to the book Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia, edited by S. Marsden and S. Dovers, which will be published by Federation Press, Sydney in June 2002.
