Abstract:
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) originated in 1969 in the USA and thereafter many
countries implemented SEA into their legislation, most noteworthy are EU directive and UNECE
protocol. In Pakistan, SEA has been implemented into Pakistan Environmental Protection Act
(PEPA) at the provincial level. However, it is not mandatory to conduct SEA as with the case of
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is essential to be carried out for all
developmental projects. Moreover, Pakistan’s policies, plans and programs have not been
subjected to SEA. SEA plays a major part in the implementation of sustainable policies, plans
and programs. The current study is an attempt to propose implementation of SEA into Waste
Management Plan of Peshawar city, KP, Pakistan. In waste management planning, SEA behaves
as an instrument for assessing the pros and cons of the proposed activities. For this study, SEA
methodology was adopted to evaluate the likely implications of the proposed planning solution
for an effective waste management plan in Peshawar city. Waste Management authorities and
Public were consulted for existing waste management related issues. Literature review was done
to assess the current environmental, economic and social conditions. 40 SEA objectives and 35
sustainable solutions were proposed. The results were evaluated using Multi-Criteria Analysis
in accordance to the SEA methodology. The most suitable options identified were construction
of biogas production plant, recycling plant, mechanical/biological treatment facilities, guidelines
to segregate special waste and introducing waste charging method for an effective waste
management plan. It is necessary to increase public participation in the SEA process by
stimulating more active involvement in the SEA and Waste management decision-making
process.
