Strategic environmental assessment of transport plans and programs: how to reach systematic monitoring?

Abstract

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (European Directive 2001/42/CE, of 25th June) of plans and programs represents a key tool for enabling an earlier integration of environmental considerations into the preparation, adoption and implementation of plans and programmes that are likely to have significant effects in the environment. In general, national transport plans and programmes are likely to be subject to the SEA procedure. The SEA process intends to support decision-making and contribute to reach sustainable development goals (SDGs). Several works highlighted earlier the importance of monitoring systematically the significant environmental effects of transport plans and take measures in the case of unforeseen adverse impacts, for enabling an effective SEA implementation. Although the SEA Directive refers the need for Member States to monitor the significant environmental effects that result from the plan or programme implementation, it does not recommend any methods or procedures. Recent research points out that monitoring is still poorly performed today, after more than 20 years after the launch of the SEA in Europe. Given the above context, this paper aims to address the following research questions: • Which are the factors that hinder the SEA process and, in particular, the monitoring of impacts in transport plans and programs? • Can we identify any good practices in terms of monitoring frameworks of transport impacts worldwide? The methodology includes a comprehensive review of available SEA studies along with the main scientific databases and use of data mining tools to mapping the range of factors and existing frameworks within the transport domain. An in-depth analysis of case studies will be pursued to identify current frameworks and any good practices in monitoring the significant impacts of transport plans and programs across the EU and beyond Europe. In Southern Europe, one the cases to be analysed is the SEA of the National Investments’ Program (PNI 2030) in Portugal that outlines major strategic investments in infrastructures and equipment to be implemented between 2021 and 2030 in the mainland territory (85 programs and projects distributed across areas, with “Transport and mobility” representing 52% of the total investment). The monitoring framework developed for the SEA of the PNI 2030 study includes a range of thematic indicators, while represents an attempt to jointly address SDGs and the set of environmental target set in existing EU and National strategies. Overall, research results are expected to be useful to shed light on further SEA updates to facilitate an effective monitoring and follow-up in transport, to enable transitions to the sustainable mobility of people and goods.