Chapter 8 RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

Document begins: Chapter 8 RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT 8.1 Points of departure Over the past decade, there has been rapid development of SEA processes and practice and a corresponding explosion of literature covering this field. Recognising this, our aim in has been to undertake a broadly-based empirical review of SEA practice, taking stock of trends and issues in developing and transitional countries and amongst international lending and aid agencies. From that perspective, we have extended our consideration of the scope of SEA processes and elements beyond formal systems - whether instituted separately, under EIA systems or based on approximate processes of policy and plan appraisal - to what we have termed para-SEA. As a reminder, this term includes those processes and elements that have some, but not all, of the characteristics of formal SEA procedure. In retrospect, our reasons for taking this approach are worth revisiting. The prevailing view of SEA is as a formal instrument instituted through legal or administrative arrangements established by developed countries. Many normative definitions in the SEA literature are derived from this paradigm and elaborated in terms of procedural features and characteristics. This model also appears to be promoted internationally through SEA capacity-building and training, but ...