SEA Guidance Annex 2

Outline Terms of Reference for an SEA

Annex 2 provides a clear, practical outline for preparing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). A well-designed TOR is essential for ensuring that the assessment is comprehensive, aligned with international good practice, and tailored to the specific policy, plan, or program being examined.

overview

What’s Inside This Annex

About TOR

This outline aims to assist a proponent in preparing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in cases where they intend to engage consultants to undertake the SEA. Research shows that many SEAs are unsatisfactory because they fail to follow basic principles and good practices. TOR need to be thorough and clear. They will need to be customized in every case to fit the context and focus of the specific PPP concerned.

Outline

List of acronyms
Introduction
Follow international principles for an SEA
Description of the PPP
Key treaties, accords and PPPs to be considered
Aims of the SEA (Technical and Capacity Building)
Boundaries of the SEA
Role of Steering Committee
Scope of work
Major tasks
Monitoring and review of SEA and SESMP
Work schedule
Deliverables

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SEA Guidance Annex 2