Training integrative approaches to environmental management and planning

The development of a cadre of trained professionals in integrated environmental assessment, equipped with appropriate analytical tools and models, and supported by global observing systems and other data collection processes. These will be important ingredients in the institutional preparations for sustainable development.

Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is a process designed to incorporate environmental considerations of development proposals within the planning process. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a step within the IEM procedure. IEM is holistic and embraces both large scale physical and social considerations; requires public participation; provides for the inclusion of environmental concerns early in the planning process; calls for alternative proposals to be considered; and continues through to monitoring, auditing and decommissioning. To this end, IEM is a useful tool for minimising the adverse impacts of development on biodiversity.

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.