SEA guidelines for the evaluation of strategy papers in development co-operation

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in development co-operation is still in evolution. However, international commitments for both sustainable development and aid harmonisation induce the need to clear out current practices of SEA in development co-operation.

A survey amongst 21 donor/lender agencies shows what the current SEA practices are and how guidelines can play a role in conducting SEA. The data show an increasing practice of SEA, and a need for capacity building in recipient countries and donor/lender agencies. Guidelines can play a role in establishing a more systematic approach and a common framework and contribute to the acceptance of the SEA-approach within the donor/lender agencies and the recipient countries. Coordination on the use of SEA will be necessary for evolving aid modalities in line with the call for delivering aid more effectively.

Guidelines addressing country strategy papers of the Belgian Directorate General of Development Co-operation and equivalent plans and programs, are presented here. The study emphasises the need to focus on setting up environmental objectives and ensuring the compatibility of the strategy with other environmental policies, plans and programs, both at a national and international level.
In the same field of research, the Free University of Brussels (VUB) recently started a project on the sustainability appraisal of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. The SEA-approach may prove very useful in attaining an integration of poverty reduction and environmental issues.