ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the early, context-setting stages of the SEA process:
Understanding various dimensions of the strategic action and how they affect the SEA.
Screening: deciding whether a given strategic action requires SEA.
How to link SEA and the strategic action, especially in terms of timing.
Who should be involved in SEA, including environmental/sustainability authorities and the public.
How SEA can fit with other existing assessment requirements.
Three early, interlinked questions, which influence many aspects of the SEA process: whether SEA should focus on the environment or sustainability; whether it should be objectives-led or baselineled; and whether the report should be task-based or topic-based.
