The World Bank’s Environment Strategy (adopted in July 2001) includes the more systematic use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in World Bank operations to promote mainstreaming of environment by influencing planning and decision making processes at an early stage.
There is a wide range of different interpretations and applications of SEA in use around the world, mainly in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries but increasingly also in World Bank client countries. Recognizing this diversity and the variety of relevant activities underway in the World Bank and its client countries, the approach adopted to implementing the objective of the strategy and increasing the use of SEA is that of a Structured Learning Program (SLP).
This Structured Learning Program focuses on the application of SEA approaches to World Bank and client operations, on the relationship with other World Bank instruments, and on ways in which use of SEA can add value to the outcomes. This website, which is part of the SLP, emphasizes these aspects while providing links to some other material on the broader use and definition of SEA.
Partnerships
Strategic Environmental Assessment is an integrative process and requires the participation of key stakeholders. The SLP envisages the evolution of a community of interested parties to share ideas and experience, to increase awareness and capabilities and to identify and build on good practice examples. This will involve different World Bank operational units, their country clients, and the wider development community. The World Bank has participated in a number of international activities and has supported workshops in client countries involving local and regional specialists. The World Bank is committed to exploring potentially beneficial opportunities with a wide range of partners.
Application of SEA in World Bank Operations
These reports below provide information on the status and current thinking on SEA in the Bank. This site is being updated and will shortly include more material of use to SEA practitioners.
 "Strategic Environmental Assessment- Concept and Practice", World Bank Environmental Strategy Note No. 14, June 2005
"Strategic Environmental Assessment in World Bank Operations- Future Potential", World Bank Environmental Strategy Paper No. 4, 2002
Integrating Environmental Considerations in Policy Formulation- Lessons from Polic |
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