1. STREAM C Linkages between SEA and other assessment or planning tools

2. What are the main trends in this area We need Careful integration in terms of both, substantive issues and the decision making process. Efficiency and effectiveness are important, therefore we need integration of tools or instruments – and there are many – that cover the same ground DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL We need to have a clear idea of what the purpose of a particular instrument is We now have a lot of practice examples and many techniques and tools are used. – However, what is often the problem is a lack of evaluation. – Why have we used it? Has it worked? Why has it worked? What are enabling factors? Speak the language of those who we are trying to influence. A continuing trend is that processes should be participative and stakeholder oriented Continuing problem of how to deal with trade-offs in SEA and with balancing different issues WE NEED ADEQUATE RESOURCES!!!

3. What arrangements have been made to link SEA with other assessment and planning tools? This is still a problem: There are attempts, but in everyday practice this is clearly still underdeveloped. – Examples, where routine integration is attempted: –Landscape planning system in Germany –Water management (UK) –Environmental management systems (Swedish municipalities)

4. What lessons can be drawn and what examples of good practice do we have? Consider the context carefully before you start doing anything –Not only legal system and formal as well as informal requirements, but also –The culture of making PPPs, the political and economic system –The culture of communication and interaction Speak the language of those who you want to influence For us, the SEA promoters and champions, to carefully argue our case, possibly avoid broad-brush statements; these statements may reflect experiences in your specific systems, but may not actually be equally valid elsewhere and may create unnecessary confusion

5. What is the role and contribution of SEA to decision- making and environmental outcomes? There are clearly a lot of examples where SEA has worked effectively. – Carefully considering the conclusions we made here in Prague means enhancing good practice. There is at times a tendency to be rather negative; however whilst there clearly are problems, the alternative to not having SEA in place is clearly worse.