1. The model Modelling best practice in SEA a 10-step presentation

2. Introduction ISOTEIA model was developed as a standardised procedure demonstrating the different steps required to carry out best practice SEA. It makes use of a range of well established concepts and procedures such as the framework ‘Driving forces – Pressures – State – Impact – Responses’ (DPSIR, a commonly used indicator framework) and the Scoping Opinion procedure (required as part of the EU SEA procedure). ISOTEIA model also makes use of the concept of Zones of Specific Functional Interest (ZSFI) within a watershed, determined in the spatial domain using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The ZSFI were identified as more a compatible and appropriate territorial delineation for TEIA in particular when dealing with trans-boundary environmental impacts. Additionally, ISOTEIA model proposes the use of indicators and thus requires as best practice the consideration of Minimum Data Sets when selecting indicators per zone. Finally the ISOTEIA model incorporates the use of Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) which can be used as management supportive tools in SEA.

3. SEA procedure Environmental assessment under the SEA procedure is automatically required for plans and programmes prepared for (Directive 85/337/EEC): Agriculture Forestry Fisheries Energy Industry Transport Waste/ water management Telecommunications Tourism Town and country planning or Land use

4. Transboundary SEA The variety of national environmental assessment systems has been the main cause of delay of community legislative initiatives. In order to facilitate the adaptation of the different national systems to the EIA/SEA Directives, the European Commission has issued guidance and has assessed the progress of implementation in several reports Legal basis for environmental assessment, at international level, is provided by the Convention on an environmental impact assessment in a trans-boundary context (Espoo, Finland 1991) and Decision 11/9 of its Parties for the preparation of a legally binding protocol on SEA (Sofia 2001), the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Economic Commission Protocol on SEA to the Convention on environmental impact assessment in a trans-boundary context (Kiev 2003).

5. DPSIR The DPSIR Model, adopted by the European Environmental Agency, is one of the frameworks based on the concept of causality chains for data synthesis, which links environmental information using indicators of different categories (Driving forces, Pressure, State, Impacts and Responses) Driving forces are understood as the social needs that require the existence of a given economic activity. The “intensity” of the Pressure depends on the nature and extent of the Driving forces and also on other factors which shape human interaction with ecological systems. The Impacts are related to ecosystems and human health due to State modifications. The policy responses lead to changes in the DPSIR chain.

6. ISOTEIA model in 10 steps 1.Concerted actions with public stakeholders 2.Determination of potential overall P 3.ZSFI (Zones of Specific Functional Interest) 4.Determination of P / zone 5.Reference level / zone 6.State indicators /zone 7.Meeting legislation 8.Functional assessment / zone 9.Impact assessment 10.Responses / alternative scenarios

7. Step 1. Concerted actions with Public Stakeholders 2 5

8. Step 2. Determination of potential overall P 4 1

9. Step 3. ZSFI 4 7

10. Step 4. Determination of P / zone 2 3 6

11. 5. Reference level /zone 618

12. 6. State indicators / zone 4 3 7 5

13. 7. Is legislation met ? 6 8 9

14. 8. Functional assessment / zone 9 7 5

15. 9. Impact assessment 7 8 10

16. 10. Responses / alternative scenarios 9 1