ABSTRACT
This introduction first explains the objectives of and rationale for the book, and to whom it is addressed. Second, the structure and content of each chapter is outlined. Third, it provides an overview of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) by summarizing national laws, defining the concept and discussing advantages, examining its decision making context and outlining key principles used in system evaluation. Fourth, it emphasizes the importance of a legal framework, explaining the role of and difference between law and legal systems so that the relationship between international, European and national law may be understood. Matters such as the rule of law, legal interpretation and enforcement are included, together with a commentary on the need for legal requirements for SEA.
