The Handbook provides information and guidance on how to comply with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive in developing the new UK Structural Fund Programmes. It can also be used for the SEA of Regional Economic Strategies and other development programmes.

The Handbook contains sections on: general principles for management of SEA; recommended steps in the SEA process; common myths about SEA; and key documents, references and guidance. The Handbook has been produced by members of 'Greening Regional Development Programmes', a European-wide network funded by the EU which includes a number of South West England organisations. It is not intended as an interpretation of the law, but should be read in conjunction with the SEA Directive and the Regulations which transpose it into UK law.