By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of SEA, its purpose, and its importance 
• Learn about the international, regional, and national legal frameworks governing SEA 
• Acquire skills in various methodologies and tools used in conducting SEA 
• Apply SEA in real-world scenarios 
• Learn effective techniques for stakeholder engagement and public participation in the SEA process 

Introduction to SEA

• Definition and purpose of SEA
• History and evolution of SEA
• Differences between SEA and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

Importance of SEA

• Benefits of SEA for sustainable development
• Role of SEA in policy, plan, and program formulation
• Challenges in implementing SEA
• Principles of SEA

Legal and Institutional Framework

• International conventions and agreements
• National legislation and policies
• Institutional roles and responsibilities

SEA Process and Methodology

• Stages of the SEA process
  • Screening
  • Scoping
  • Baseline data collection and analysis
  • Impact assessment
  • Identification of risks and opportunities
  • Enhancement and mitigation measures
  • Strategic environmental management and monitoring plan
  • Reporting
  • Monitoring
• Scoping and Baseline Data Collection
  • Identifying key environmental issues and impacts
  • Methods for baseline data collection and analysis
• Impact Assessment Methods
  • Qualitative and quantitative assessment methods
  • Cumulative and synergistic impact assessment
  • Use of indicators in SEA

SEA Tools and Techniques

• SEA Tools
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis
  • Scenario analysis and modeling
  • Multi-criteria analysis (MCA)
• Economic and Social Analysis
  • Cost-benefit analysis (CBA)
  • Social impact assessment (SIA)
  • Public participation techniques
• Mitigation and Alternatives
  • Developing and evaluating alternatives
  • Designing enhancement and mitigation measures
  • Monitoring and evaluation plans

Report Preparation and Presentation

• Structuring and writing an SEA report
• Presenting findings and recommendations

Stakeholder Engagement

• Identifying and mapping stakeholders
• Techniques for effective communication and participation
• Addressing conflicts and achieving consensus

Integrating SEA with Policy and Planning

• Linking SEA to sustainable development goals (SDGs)
• Ensuring policy coherence and alignment
• Case study on policy integration

This course is suitable for anyone involved in the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs. These may include, but not limited to the following:

• Environmental and social practitioners
• Policymakers
• Central and local government officials
• Urban planners
• Development Consultants
• Project managers and planners

The Strategic Environmental Assessment Training Course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course employs a mix of methodologies including presentations, group exercises, case studies, and much more. Group work is an essential component of the course. The course is designed to be primarily workshop-based, in which participants can work through tasks and problems that mimic their daily activities. Instructors are there to facilitate the group work, addressing real-world concerns.

At Virgon Africa, we believe in experiential learning. We value active participation in our courses through sharing experiences, ideas and practices.