From Book News, Inc.
In the first comparative study of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) practices in regions of the UK, Netherlands, and Germany, Fischer (Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning, Erkner, Germany) analyzes the planning context and data from 80 assessments of SEA practices, authorities' attitudes toward them, sustainability objectives, potential benefits from SEA applications, and their compliance with the European SEA Directive (1999 proposal). Appendices provide details on source documentation, directives, the regional SEAs, and a comparison of program targets with national sustainable development strategies. Includes supporting tables, figures, and boxed material. Distributed by Stylus.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Assessing the full scale of environmental impacts is essential for effective planning of transport and land use. This is the first book to establish the effectiveness of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) through comparative analysis of practice in three countries: Britain, The Netherlands and Germany. The author shows that use of SEA is widespread but far from systematic. He demonstrates the advantages of adopting a systematic application of a comprehensive form of SEA derived from all the major current approaches. Only once this approach is fully understood and systematically applied will the full benefits be achieved and environmental impacts minimized. This is essential reading for all those involved in planning, transport and different forms of land use, and in environmental impact assessment.

SYNOPSIS

Assessing the full scale of environmental impacts is essential for effective planning of transport and land use. This is the first book to establish the effectiveness of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) through comparative analysis of practice in three countries: Britain, The Netherlands and Germany.The author shows that use of SEA is widespread but far from systematic. He demonstrates the advantages of adopting a systematic application of a comprehensive form of SEA derived from all the major current approaches. Only once this approach is fully understood and systematically applied will the full benefits be achieved and environmental impacts minimized. This is essential reading for all those involved in planning, transport and different forms of land use, and in environmental impact assessment.

FROM THE CRITICS

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