Part II : SEA Mechanisms in Hong Kong
Different Forms of SEA

As mentioned in the previous sections, SEA is to collect and evaluate strategic environmental information with an aim to enhancing the environmental performance of PPPs. To better achieve this aim, various forms of SEA are adopted in different circumstances trying to fit in with every institutional and jurisdictional decision-making framework. Forms of SEA adopted in Hong Kong basically fall under the following categories :

  • Comprehensive, quantified SEA to fully inform decision makers, stakeholders and the public on the environmental implications of various PPPs, what follow up actions to be required, and how environmental considerations to be integrated for achieving a sustainable solution. This form of SEA is usually applied in large-scale and long-term land use planning processes.
  • Consideration of strategic environmental issues as part of an overall study to facilitate integration of environmental considerations when PPPs are formulated at an early stage of the study process. This form of SEA is used largely in transport and broad infrastructure planning to assess alternatives.
  • A relatively simplified SEA designed for quick PPP decision making. Such SEA are carried out in a way similar to environmental appraisals in which environmental considerations are included as part of an internal appraisal process to facilitate decision makers to make decisions. This form of SEA is mainly applied to PPPs with decisions that have to be made within a short time frame.
A project life cycle usually involves various stages, such as Project concept, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, Design and construction, Implementation and Monitoring and evaluation. SEA can be introduced before the Project concept stage to assist strategic or planning decision-making.
Figure 2 - Relationship Between SEA and a Project Life Cycle
 
Source: "EIA Training and Capacity Building Program for Government Works Departments - EIA Training Manual", Environmental Resources Management and Environmental Protection Department (March 2003)
 

These forms of SEA are not mutually exclusive. They could be undertaken at different stages of a project life cycle along with decision-making processes in a bid to facilitate appropriate integration of environmental information. Figure 2 shows the relationship between SEA and a project life cycle and Figure 3 illustrates the relationship between planning, SEA and Project level EIA in Hong Kong.

SEA should be included in early planning stage and identify environmentally preferred development options. The SEA findings could also be summarized and integrated into the project specific EIA Report to avoid and minimise environmental impacts. Better use of planning information at the earlier stage of the project implementation would contribute to the success in maintaining Hong Kong’s environmental sustainability.
Figure 3 - Relationship Between Planning, SEA and EIA in Hong Kong
 
Source: "EIA Training and Capacity Building Program for Government Works Departments - EIA Training Manual", Environmental Resources Management and Environmental Protection Department (March 2003)
 

Approaches of SEA - Way Forward

  • Empowerment of the community and stakeholders on environmental choices, environmental knowledge and environmentally responsible decision making;
  • Internalizing environmental sustainability into each and every major strategy or policy;
  • Paradigm shift on evaluating the legitimacy of ‘needs’;
  • Paradigm shift on evaluating financial viability of environmentally better choices;
  • Interactive, continuous public involvement and engagement, including the traditional means and modern communication and information technologies (3-D virtual reality with instantaneous engagement process).