The experience of highly industrialized countries demonstrates that single-minded pursuit of economic develop ment is self-defeating because, by disregarding the other components of what is cxmnonly called "the quality of life", it creates conditions which are not acceptable to large sectors of the population. In the recent past a number of projects, for example, major darns, have had unexpectedly deleterious social, envir onmental and health consequences. As a result, many govern ment department and agencies are investigating the impacts of specific projects and are examining the role impact analysis could play in project planning. The process of environmental impact analysis has been developed, tested and institutionalized in several countries. The objective of the process is a prior identification and definition of likely environmental impacts of projects such as public works, industrial developments and tourist develop ments, as well as the impact of policies and legislative proposals. The environmental impact analysis process also includes the definition of alternative courses of action which would achieve comparable economic objectives while eliminatir .. g some or all of the detrimental environmental consequences. Identification of preventive or precautionary measures, which would minimize the unavoidable impacts, fonn an integral part of the process. The aim should be for a balanced appraisal in which economic, technical, social, environmental and health aspects are fully evaluated. Thus viewed, environmental impact analysis emerges as one of the most powerful planning tools for the prevention of environmental pollution and degradation.

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a regulatory requirement for development across Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere, yet understanding the legal aspects is challenging. This comprehensive guide provides that understanding in a clear and straightforward way.The introduction considers SEA and the law, explaining what SEA is, why it is needed, how it works and why it is required, as well as examining the role of the law. Part One provides an overview of international law, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and international law, including treaties, customary international law and 'soft law' relevant to SEA. It analyses the Kiev SEA Protocol and related UNECE conventions, the Espoo Convention on EIA in a Transboundary Context and the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. It also analyses the role of SEA in conservation conventions.Part Two considers how the European legal system works, including an overview of the current status of European law. It examines the EIA Directive and SEA Directive together with other relevant directives and regulations, such as the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, the Water Framework Directive, the Public Participation for Plans and Programmes Directive, and the Structural Funds Regulations. Finally the volume draws conclusions about the relationship and comparisons between international and European law generally, and in regulating SEA.