3 September UNDERSTANDING THE SEA 20 th May 2013 Presented by: K. Florence

Presentation outline What is the SEA History of the SEA Purpose of the SEA 3 September

What is the SEA Key words Strategic Environmental Assessment 3 September Strategic Environmental Assessment

Defn; Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a systematic decision support process, aiming to ensure that environmental and possibly other sustainability aspects are considered effectively in policy, plan and programme making. (PPPs) It is a globally recognized tool to promote sustainable development. 3 September

HISTORY OF THE SEA The idea of having environmental impact assessments started in 1969, in the USA with the introduction of the National Environment Policy Act by congress. In 1985, the Directive of European council adopted the system as well in Europe. With a main aim of informing society on potential hazards imposed on the environment and human health by the intended activity/project. 3 September

. Note; it only dealt with specific effects at the local level (project only) whereas many environmentally damaging decisions had already been made at a more strategic level. Little by little, people noticed that the earlier they considered environmental issues in the planning process, the easier and cheaper it was to avoid damages to the environment. 3 September

. In 1996 European Commission started consideration of introduction of the obligatory environmental assessment (the so called Strategic Environmental Assessment – SEA) for certain plans and programmes. In 2001, EU Council approved this proposal by its Directive 2001/42EC, and it became binding for EU member countries since September

Purpose Of The SEA It is used to examine the scope and characteristics of the potential environmental effects of a given development SEA ensures that environmental and socio-economic concerns contribute to a balanced and sustainable development of a given sector (the oil and gas sector). 3 September

. SEA as currently practiced reflects the Brundtland Commission's approach to sustainable development, which suggests that environmental protection and economic development can only progress hand in hand. 3 September Brundtland commission=World Commission on Environment and Development

. The SEA is completed prior to project start up and used to propose prevention and mitigation measures in order to prevent or mitigate the negative effects associated with the development. And therefore to integrate results/findings into decision making An effective SEA takes into account the requirements and comments of the public, which is consulted as needed. 3 September

Why do an SEA of the AG Uganda’s oil is found in the Albertine Graben which is an area of national and international importance in terms of its outstanding biodiversity and network of protected areas. The goal of the National Oil and Gas Policy (2008) is to use these (oil and gas) resources to contribute to early achievement of poverty eradication and create lasting value to society. 3 September

. The objective is to “ensure that oil and gas activities are undertaken in a manner that conserves the environment and biodiversity” The NE Act, Cap 153, requires that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) consults closely with relevant lead agencies in the process of the SEA. 3 September

. The SEA of the AG shall contribute to informed decision making by taking into consideration the possible environmental, cultural heritage and socio-economic effects caused by petroleum development in the Albertine Graben. Through: –Documenting values of the resources in the AG –Assessing impact/conflicts –Suggesting alternatives 3 September

.. The main goals of the SEA were to recommend on how to: Ensure that environmental and sustainability considerations are taken into account during early stages of decision making and integrate these considerations into laws/regulations and relevant PPPs; and Deal with high level environmental strategic aspects in general for the sector and assess specific future development 3 September

Thank you for listening Sustainable actions (Generations unborn have a stake in our Natural Resources) 3 September 2015