What is the primary differentiating factor between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)?

The primary differentiating factor between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) lies in their scope and application. EIA is typically applied to specific projects with defined locations and impacts, such as the construction of a new highway or a mining operation. It focuses on assessing the direct and indirect environmental consequences of that particular project. SEA, on the other hand, is applied to policies, plans, and programs at a broader, more strategic level. It assesses the environmental consequences of these higher-level decisions, which may guide multiple projects or activities across a wider geographical area and longer time frame. For example, SEA might be used to evaluate a national energy policy or a regional transportation plan, examining the cumulative environmental effects of the policy or plan's implementation across various sectors and locations. Thus, EIA focuses on project-specific impacts, while SEA addresses the broader strategic environmental implications of policies, plans, and programs, influencing decision-making at an earlier stage and on a wider scale.