E7n Capacity Development Manual for the implementation of the Protocol on SEA
Nicholas Bonvoisin, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Geneva
Key issues to be addressed
Position Paper:
The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context was negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2001-2003. The Protocol was signed in May 2003 by thirty-six states and by the European Commission. Now, within the work plan of the Espoo Convention, a Capacity Development Manual is being developed to support the implementation of the Protocol. The Manual will provide comprehensive materials for use in activities planned to develop capacity in the practical implementation of the Protocol.
The draft Manual will be presented at the conference by the UNECE and the Regional Environment Centre for Central and Eastern Europe, the two main contributors to the work. The European Commission is providing technical support to the development of the Manual, as the Manual is seen as being of possible use to European Union Member States in their implementation of both the Protocol and the EU Directive on SEA. The European offices of WHO and UNDP are also actively involved in this work, the former in advising on the consideration of health in SEA, the latter in identifying capacity-building needs in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Europe.
The conference will provide an opportunity for participants to comment on the draft Manual and to influence its eventual content, distribution and use.