Beavers in Scotland: consultation on the strategic environmental assessment

An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, and of its relationship (if any) with other qualifying plans and programmes.

Section 1.1

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme

Section 3 and Appendix 1

The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected.

Section 3 and Appendix 1 and section 4.1

Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna (as last amended by Council Directive 97/62/EC).

Section 3

The environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation

Section 2.2

The likely significant effects on the environment, including-

(a) on issues such as-

(i) biodiversity;

(ii) population;

(iii) human health;

(iv) fauna;

(v) flora;

(vi) soil;

(vii) water;

(x) material assets;

(xi) cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological heritage;

(xiii) the inter-relationship between the issues referred to in heads (i) to (xii);

Section 4 -

Biodiversity, flora and fauna - sections 4.1 - 4.8

Population - section 4.12

Human health - section 4.12

Soil - sections 4.1, 4.9, 4.10, 4.14

Water - sections 4.9 and 4.10

Cultural heritage - section 4.13

The inter-relationship between the issues is picked up within the subject sections. For example, the consideration of effects on soils is considered within the sections on woodland and freshwater. This is akin to an ecosystems approach to the assessment process.

(b) short, medium and long-term effects;

(c) permanent and temporary effects;

(d) positive and negative effects; and

(e) secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects

Section 4 - sections 4.2 to 4.14

See also section 2.3

The nature and duration of the effects, is picked up within the consideration of each of the different interests in section 4.

The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme.

Sections 4.2 to 4.14

Section 5

Specific mitigation measures have been highlighted within each section, however there are a number of generic measures which are applicable to all interests and these have been pulled together in section 5

An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of expertise) encountered in compiling the required information

Section 6

A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with section 19.

Section 7

A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 9

Following contents page