9. Summary

The key points to be learnt from the Strategic Action section include:

• SEA should start early and be integrated in decision-making;
• SEA brings multiple points of view into the decision-making process;
• Knowing about the strategic action and how it is developed can help to determine what SEA approaches are likely to be most effective;
• SEA is not a single technique: it uses a range of tools, many borrowed from other fields.
• Overall, SEA is probably best carried out by several people, including personnel from the competent authority and/or SEA consultants. Representatives of the public (and possibly members of the public) can also contribute.