Project Description
Commissioned by the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Operations Center, the SEA review project aimed to assess the status of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) across the GMS countries. ICEM was tasked with preparing a comprehensive review report as part of the preparatory phase of the GMS Core Environment Program (CEP) Component 1, which focused on integrating environmental and social concerns into the development of economic corridors and sectors throughout the region. The project was informed by a planning session with the GMS Working Group on Environment (WGE) and its international partners in August 2006.
Objectives, Activities and Results
The primary objective was to establish a regional benchmark for SEA implementation and use in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. ICEM reviewed national SEA practices and capacities, as well as relevant international SEA initiatives, to identify program priorities and potential synergies. The project produced a briefing paper to guide future updates and alignment of SEA efforts within the evolving context of environmental governance in the GMS. The review served as a strategic tool for shaping CEP Component 1 and enhancing regional cooperation in environmental planning and decision-making.
