Ga naar homepagePalestinian TerritoriesPalestinian Territories – Legislation at strategic level

Palestinian Territories

Legislation at strategic level

In Palestine, the ESIA and SEA systems were simultaneously established with the enactment of the Palestinian Environmental Assessment Policy in 2000. The policy provides information on environmental assessment in general and thus accounts for projects, plans and programmes. However, while specific ESIA procedures are given, the policy does not specify the steps for SEA. The ESIA procedures distinguish two forms of ESIA: 1. An Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) is conducted for projects where significant environmental impacts are uncertain, or where compliance with environmental regulation must be ensured. 2. A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for projects which are likely to have significant environmental impacts. An EIA may be carried out as a result of an IEE.
The Environmental Quality Authority is the central EA authority that takes decisions throughout the EA process, issues the environmental approval at the basis of the EA report and conducts monitoring acitivities.

Overview SEA procedure

Even though the EIA Policy generally also accounts for plans and programs, the EIA procedures described in its Annex 3 are determined for projects only. Thus more detailed SEA procedures are generally not defined, with the exemption of the Screening process for which in Annex 4 of the Policy some information is given.

Click on a process step to learn more

Establishing context


Screening process
Annex 4 of the policy lists types of plans and programs for which SEA may be used:

  • Power generation and supply;
  • Solid waste management;
  • Transportation infrastructure development;
  • Tourism infrastructure development;
  • Parks and natural reserves development and management;
  • Development and management of industrial policy and estates;
  • Master plans;
  • Agricultural development programs.

The list, however, does not suggest that only these types of plans and programs can be subjected to SEA.

Proceed to legislation at project level
Download this information as PDF