Strategic Environmental Assessment Meets the SDGs: Aligning National Plans with Global Goals

In an increasingly interconnected world, planning for sustainable development isn’t just about ticking boxes or complying with regulations — it’s about designing smarter systems. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is one of the most powerful tools we have to guide national and local decisions in that direction. But how does SEA connect with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)? And why does that matter for businesses, particularly in agri-food and land-based sectors?

🌍 What Are the UN SDGs?

If you’re not familiar, the UN SDGs are a set of 17 global goals agreed by 193 countries — including the UK and Ireland — designed to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Think of them as the world’s shared to-do list.

Or - "It’s one of the only things 193 countries have agreed on — so it’s worth paying attention to."

These goals act as a common language to describe and measure impact — useful whether you're working in global policy or running a local food co-op. For businesses, the SDGs provide a framework for identifying sustainability risks and opportunities, no matter your size or industry.

Using a platform like Accelerating Action, organisations can map which SDGs relate directly to their operations or supply chain — a simple way to turn ambition into action.

🥕 Which SDGs Are Most Relevant to Agri-Food?

The agri-food sector has a particularly strong relationship with several SDGs, including:

These aren’t abstract targets — the way the SDG is structured businesses can align to a goal, initially through one or more targets within the goal. The business can then set an appropriate ambition level to deliver to more of the targets within the goal. Check out the UN SDG website for more information on the Goals and Targets. 

🔄 The Value of Systems Thinking

One challenge for businesses and planners is the apparent complexity of all these overlapping frameworks — SDGs, SEA, ESG, Net Zero, Natural Capital… it can feel like alphabet soup.

But here’s the good news: Overlap is the point.

The SDGs and SEA both reflect systems thinking — recognising that environmental, social, and economic impacts don’t exist in silos. You can’t reduce water pollution without looking at land use. You can’t improve public health without thinking about transport, food access, or green space.

Check out my lovely friend Rosalind and her take on Intergenerational Justice on TED X 

SEA provides a structured way to look at all those connections up front — especially at the policy, plan, and programme level. And the SDGs offer a shared language to describe and align the impacts across those systems.

🛠️ SEA and IEMA: Impact Assessment as an Integration Tool

Strategic Environmental Assessment is a legal requirement in the UK for public plans and programmes that could significantly impact the environment. SEA helps ensure that sustainable development is considered right from the start — before a spade goes into the ground.

Underpinned by the SEA Regulations (2004), and guided by best practice frameworks such as those promoted by IEMA, SEA:

• Integrates environmental objectives into planning

• Assesses alternatives to minimise harm

• Informs decision-makers and the public

This creates a direct opportunity to embed SDG thinking into national and local strategies — whether in flood planning, regional food security, or land-use frameworks.

📍 Real-World Applications: Where SEA Meets SDG Strategy

• Food and Water Planning: SEA is used in water resource management plans, helping align national decisions with SDG 6 (Clean Water). For example, nutrient management strategies — which directly affect agri-food operations — have been shaped by SEA to ensure cleaner waterways.

• Land and Biodiversity Strategies: By embedding biodiversity objectives into regional strategies via SEA, governments can meet targets aligned with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while supporting regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions.
  

🏢 Business Use Cases: From Global Goals to Local Actions

SEA isn’t just for public authorities. Businesses can mirror the same principles to demonstrate alignment with global goals.

For example:

• A company aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action might choose to support farms in its supply chain achieving LEAF Marque or Red Tractor certification — reinforcing sustainable land use and reducing emissions.

• A business focused on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth might improve staff benefits, support flexible working, or pursue recognition as a great place to work — boosting retention and attracting talent.
  

These aren’t just good for people and the planet. They enhance brand reputation, unlock ESG capital, and build trust with customers, regulators, and investors.

✅ Business Takeaway: SDG-Aligned Planning = Smarter Business

By aligning your strategies and decisions with both SEA best practices and the UN SDGs, you:

• Position your brand as a sustainability leader

• Futureproof your operations against regulatory and climate risks

• Increase access to green finance and ESG-linked investment

• Demonstrate meaningful, verifiable impact
  

And because SDG alignment is typically grounded in your core values, it becomes easier to embed across the organisation — from boardroom to back office to field.

At ESG Made Easy, we work with consultants aligned to IEMA frameworks and equipped to help you navigate SEA, SDG mapping, and impact measurement — so you can make strategic decisions that deliver long-term value, for your business and for the world.