Unlocking the Potential : A study on the potential role of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Dutch Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are increasingly employed by organizations as a benchmark for sustainable development, formalized by the Dutch government and over a third of Dutch municipalities. The Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) could play a role in integrating SDGs into Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for a comprehensive view of nature and environmental protection, though this approach is not yet implemented. This research investigates the integration possibilities of SDGs in Dutch SEA, exploring current practices, challenges, and opportunities. The research, conducted through interviews and literature reviews, found that currently, there are no SEA reports in the Netherlands incorporating SDGs. Environmental visions, which may form the basis for SEA reports, do include SDGs. Advantages of integrating SDGs in SEA include broad communication possibilities and comprehensive mapping of sustainable development activities. However, the complexity of SDGs, with numerous sub-goals, poses a challenge. Drawing on Danish research, the study recommends the NCEA adopt a Danish model for integrating SDGs into SEA, suggesting context-specific variants to align with existing resources without requiring a complete restructuring. In theory, the seamless alignment of SDGs with SEA indicates potential mutual benefits.