ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the status of current SEA practice and how it can be improved. It brings together the findings of the IAIA Prague conference theme ‘Beyond Current SEA Practice’ and other supporting literature. The chapter begins with a summary of strengths and weaknesses of current SEA practice, based on a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis carried out by conference participants. A key outcome of this analysis was concern over the current disconnection between SEA and planning processes, which in turn means that truly positive environmental outcomes are only seldom achieved. The chapter then considers several dimensions in which SEA could be improved to provide both better inputs – more focused and useful data – and better outcomes in the form of more sustainable planning decisions. It concludes with practical ideas about going beyond current SEA practice.
