The role of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in local developments: Some exploratory perspectives of the stakeholders

Abstract

During the last decades numerous tools have been developed and used to assist spatial planners in tackling the sustainability concept. In this article the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is discussed in relation to local developments. The aim of the study was to explore the current understandings and practices of the role of SEA at the level of detail plans. The case study is based on the Tartu city region in Estonia. Analysis of research reports and interviews with key stakeholders were the study methods. The results show that SEA is not the expedient tool to address integrated sustainability at detail level. Indeed, if the SEA process is initiated, a relatively wide spectrum of impacts are assessed - even those that are not a part of the screening process at the first place. Different parties involved with the SEA process have various and even contradictory expectations that are frequently not met, thus dissatisfaction and low effectiveness of SEA are emerging. © 2012 WIT Press.