AN INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, WITH REFERENCE TO WORLD HERITAGE AREAS GLOBALLY AND IN AUSTRALIAN COASTAL ZONES

摘要

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