Sustainable development and environmental technology: a comparison of policy in Japan and the European Union

Summary The concept of sustainable development, is increasingly being proposed as a means to avoid the impasse between economic development and environmental protection. In this paper, the incorporation of the concept of sustainable development into policy-making in both Japan and the European Union is examined. A particular variation in response between the two has been in relation to encouraging the development of environmental or clean technologies, a key element in achieving sustainable development. The benefits of an early lead in environmental technology may result in gains to the economy. In this paper, the potential commercial gains from the integration of environmental policy with industrial, development are also examined.Dr David Gibbs is a Reader and Dr James Longhurst is Director of the Atmospheric Research and Information Centre within the Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University.     

Towards sustainable airport development

Summary This paper considers the application of the principles of sustainable development to an airport situation. If sustainable development is to be enshrined as the global development pathway which reconciles economic and environmental issues then it must be applicable to a range of spatial scales. Airports will interact at a variety of levels with this multi-level decision making and enactment structure. The requirements imposed upon an airport may differ according to whether decisions are being taken by local, regional or national decision makers. Conflicts and uncertainties will inevitably result. Definitions of sustainable development are considered and policy guidance from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the nation State level evaluated for its relevance to airport decision making. An attempt is made to reconcile definitions and interpretations before an idealized representation of a sustainable airport is presented. Mechanisms by which this may be actualized are then suggested. A need for improved theoretical knowledge is identified but research is also necessary on application and localization procedures for sustainable development.Professor James Longhurst is Head of Department of Environmental Health and Science at UWE, Bristol. Until recently he was the Director of the Atmospheric Research and Information Centre. David Gibbs is Professor of Human Geography at the University of Hull, UK. David Raper is Deputy Director and D.E. Conlan Environmental Projects Manager in the Atmospheric Research and Information Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.     

Environmental management training in Australia: A case study

Summary Environmental managers require education and training tailored to their particular professional needs. Specifically they need a range of technical (scientific) skills, human interaction skills and integrative skills. The Environmental Management programme at Deakin University, Australia provides much of this training through practical experience in real-life case studies. This paper presents an example of one of these studies undertaken by first year students. Students were required to undertake a research project into household activities which contribute to CO₂ emissions, and so to the enhanced greenhouse effect. The students were responsible for deciding what data was needed, how it was to be collected and analysed, and for drawing appropriate conclusions from the results. From the exercise they obtained useful information on the relative importance of various household activities to CO₂ production (use of cars and electricity topped the list).More importantly, they gained experience in project formulation, the interpersonal skills involved in teamwork, data analysis and interpretation, and working within tight time and budgetary constraints. A strong foundation for later development of the environmental managers' skills was laid.Dr David Stokes is the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science at Victoria College, Australia. The following Victoria College staff also contributed to the production of this paper: Trevor Blake, Lecturer, Department of Heritage and Resource Management, Dr Geoff Wescott, Principal Lecturer/Head of Department of Heritage and Resource Management; Andrea Lindsay, Research Officer, Faculty of Applied Science; Andrew Treloar, Senior Lecturer, Department of Information and Numerical Sciences; Dr Trevor McKenzie, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Science and Dr Ian Dickson, Principal Lecturer/Head of Department of Information and Numerical Sciences. In January 1992 Victoria College merged with Deakin University.     

Comments on current environmental events in Kuwait

This article describes and assesses the impact of oil spillage and oil well fires on Kuwait and its surroundings. The marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf is shown to be relatively resistant to damage from oil spillage. The risks of the contamination of thermal desalination plants by oil and oil products are assessed, and remedies are suggested. Air pollution from burning oil wells is described and its consequences are predicted. Editor’s note: Professor Hosny Khordagui worked as a research scientist at the Environmental and Earth Science Department of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, led to the permanent loss of most of his data, research reports, and laboratory equipment, and Prof. Khordagui was constrained to live under the Iraqi occupation for a few weeks. His article “A Conceptual Approach to the Selection of a Control Measure for Residual Chlorine Discharge in Kuwait Bay” will appear in a forthcoming issue ofEnvironmental Management.     

Environmental management: An experiment in orientation in India

Summary Environmental management is a most critical input for achieving ecologically sound and balanced economic growth. It is essential that policy-makers and administrators accept the significance, principles and practices of environmental management, otherwise implementation of projects will not include the environmental protection measures. Environmental management training programmes for decision-makers are, therefore, essential. In India, The Department of Environment has initiated workshop for top level managers for sensitizing them to environmental management concepts. The experience in organizing and conducting such programmes may be of value to organizations in other developing countries, and is summarised in this paper.     

The culture of environmental decision-making

Summary This paper describes the rising tide of environmentalism in contemporary culture. It is accepted that this represents a fragile advance in our sensibilities about nature and one another. It has impacted the embodied practices of everyday affairs in decision-making. The sense of environmental risk factors may have contributed to this evolving sensibility towards nature. The rising environmental concern converges with the practices of democracy in the development and expansion of right-to-know laws, both locally and globally. In concert with the right-to-know laws are concepts and practices of sustainable development and the merging of social and environmental justice.Dr Jay Schulkin is a Research Associate at the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Process Center, University of Pennsylvania, and Director of Research at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Washington DC. David Sarokin is Director of the Special Projects Office at the US Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington DC 20460, USA. The views in this paper are those of the authors, and not the institutions with which they are affiliated.     

Mining and social development: Refocusing community investment using multi-criteria decision analysis

This paper addresses the question: How can mining companies assess social investment projects so that projects create value for the company and communities in which they operate? Mining companies are still wrestling with the limits of their responsibility in relation to social development even though they accept the business case for community investment at a general level. Fully aware of the practical hazards involved in taking an active role in facilitating local development, companies increasingly avoid methods that are overly paternalistic or assume the functions of the national or local governments. Gaining senior management's commitment to long-term social projects, which are characterised by uncertainty and complexity, is made easier if projects are shown to benefit the site's strategic goals. Case study research on large global mining companies, including interviews with social investment decision makers, has assisted in developing a Social Investment Decision Analysis Tool (SIDAT), a decision model for evaluating social projects. Multi-criteria decision analysis techniques integrating business planning processes with social impact assessment have proved useful in assisting mining companies think beyond seeking reputational benefits, to how they can meet their business goals and contribute to sustainable development.     

Wastewater Reuse Practices in Kuwait

Water is a scarce commodity in Kuwait. With rapid growth of population coupled with increasing urbanization and agriculture, the demand for water in Kuwait is continually on the increase. The main water source in the country is from desalination with small quantities from underground aquifers. Wastewater effluent at least for irrigation purposes, could be a valuable source to augment this dwindling water supply, and should not continue to be wasted. Reuse of wastewater effluent could both minimize the disposal of water to the environment and reduce the demand on fresh water supplies. This paper discusses the features of reuse, the processes used and standards adopted. Design data, operational results, and physical characteristics for the three wastewater treatment plants (Ardiya, Jahra, and Riqqa) in Kuwait are discussed. In addition, the paper reports on the results of a research study undertaken to determine the willingness, level of awareness and knowledge among the people of Kuwait in using wastewater effluent for different purposes. Cost and benefit analyses were conducted on wastewater effluent and reuse. The study concludes with useful recommendations to both the authorities and the citizens of Kuwait.     

Stockholm Recommendation 96: Viable in the Dominican Republic

Summary The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries face serious challenges to their natural resource base. In recent years the government of the Dominican Republic has taken major steps toward the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for national natural resources management. This plan is called Plan Sierra. An important component of this plan is the outline of actions for carrying out an environmental education programme within the country. This demonstrates a commitment to fulfill Recommendation No. 96 of the Stockholm Conference in a way that could become a model for other Latin American nations. Clinton L. Shepard is Assistant Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Shepard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Kentucky and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University in Natural Resources/Environmental Education and Education-Foundations and Research. He has worked as an interpreter and Environmental Education Coordinator for the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, a research associate for ERIC—Science, Math, and Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and College instructor in interpretive methods, environmental education methodology, resident outdoor programming, and natural resources development. He is also involved in international research and development, especially in the Caribbean Basin. Robert E. Roth is Chairman/Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Roth received a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Science Education, a Master's degree in Conservation Education from The Ohio State University, and his Ph.D. in Environmental Education from The University of Wisconsin. he came to OSU in 1969 and since that time has designed and institutionalized the only academic unit in the US that offers both well developed undergraduate and graduate programmes in Environmental Communications, Education and Interpretation and has published over 40 works in the field. He has been instrumental in implementing a growing international environmental education research and development emphasis in the wider Caribbean, he continues as an Executive Editor of theJournal of Environmental Education.     

Ecotourism: The Santa Elena rainforest project

Summary This paper outlines an ecotourism project undertaken in the Santa Elena community in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica. The community is seeking to establish a rainforest reserve on a parcel of land that has been permanently leased to their high school by the Costa Rican Government. The Community and Youth Challenge International are developing an ecotourism project that will provide a wider economic basis for the area and employment for students graduating from the high school. This project seeks to achieve sustainable development and fulfil the development requirements of the population surrounding the project. This is in the belief that it is only when conservation projects benefit local communities, and are set up with an infrastructure that vests control within local communities, that genuine ecotourism is achieved.Stephen Wearing is a lecturer in the School of Leisure and Tourism Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, and he lectures and consults in the area of Tourism and Environmental Planning, and Parks Protected Area Management. His particular interest is in ecotourism projects with local communities. He is linked with Youth Challenge International and people interested in becoming involved or looking for assistance in projects can contact him at the above address.     

Environmental management in Greece and the challenge of sustainable development

Summary Environmental management is linked to decisions concerning sustainable development which peripheral countries would find quite challenging, given their development priorities and their demands for a restricted share in the burden of global environmental protection. This paper examines the Greek experience with the growing awareness of environmental problems in that country and in the light of current efforts to attain economic convergence with its northern European partners. The focus is on the analysis of the role of the political institutional system in sustainable development, embracing the government, the parliament and the political parties, the courts, and the local authorities. In addition, the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is also summarized. The quest for sustainable development holds both positive and negative effects for Greece, and despite development priorities, there are some workable options available to follow a pathway of transition.graduate diplomas from the Institute of Business Management of the Graduate School of Economics and Commercial Sciences, Athens (Greece) and the School of Social Studies, University of East Anglia (UK), an MA in Economics from the University of Kent, Canterbury (UK), and a PhD in natural resources from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA). Dr. Lekakis served at the Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) in Athens for over 15 years, where he was in charge of the technical processing of Greece's five-year development plans in the area of environmental protection. He is currently on the faculty of the School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethimno (Greece) where he teaches environmental and resource economics. His most recent research activity includes a just completed international water resource allocation project financed by the European Science Foundation (ESF), and an ongoing project on the institutional adjustment for sustainable development strategies in the European Union.     

Environmental conservation problems in Kuwait

Summary Environmental problems in Kuwait arise from a number of factors: principally climate, population growth, industrialisation, transport and recreation. The impact of these factors on the environment is discussed in the context of growing awareness of the need for conservation of the remaining facets of Kuwait's heritage. The need to move from discussion of these extant environmental problems to effective action is stressed. Both education and the media have a vital role to play in sharpening awareness of problems and their solutions in the short time-scale left for conservation measures.Eric Caulton is Senior Lecturer and Ecologist in the Department of Biological Sciences, Napier Polytechnic of Edinburgh. In April 1987 he visited Kuwait to undertake an environmental Impact Assessment in the south for the consultants involved in planning Al Khiran new town.David Keddie is an urban planning and economic consultant, and Associate with Roger Tym and Partners. He has worked for both the government and private consultants in Kuwait on various occasions since 1982.     

Planning for agricultural development in the Himalayan region: An environmental approach

Summary In the present paper efforts have been made to identify an environmentally sustainable and economically gainful strategy for agricultural development in the Himalayan region in Uttar Pradesh State, India. In the underdeveloped rural habitat that exists, a strategy, where the economics of environmentally sustainable development can be studied, is urgently required. The findings have been based on an empirical investigation of 150 sampled households spread over fifteen villages. It was found that the state of Himalayan agriculture and allied activities was in a critical condition, requiring urgent attention in order to improve the human environment. Suggested viable improvements in Himalayan agricultural development may be grouped into four categories, viz., an expansion of the cultivated area, where the land use pattern and other factors are discussed; full utilisation of irrigation potentialities, in which water management is discussed; improvement in the cropping pattern, where the whole system of cropping is analysed; and modifications in the use of agricultural appliances, specially in hoeing, ploughing and inter-culturing implements. Based on a critical analysis of these four identified aspects, economically viable, ecologically sound and socially justified environmental planning may be effectively framed.Dr H.C. Pokhriyal is Head of the Department of Economics at Garhwal University Campus, Tehri, and Dr N.S. Bist is Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Himalaya, U.P., India.     

Delivering sustainability therapy in sustainable development projects

This paper explores the apparent contradiction between the 'linearity' of most Sustainable Development projects, with time-bound and defined outputs achieved at a fixed cost, and an implied 'circularity' of the theory whereby there is no 'end'. Projects usually have clear parameters within which they are implemented, and the inclusion of elements such as the need for accountability, measurable impact and 'value for money' have grown in importance. It could be argued that we live in a 'projectified' and therefore linear world. The paper explores the potential contradiction between 'linearity' and 'circularity', and suggests that one way around this is to frame the project within a form of the Kolb Learning Cycle heuristic. This will facilitate a rationalisation from those implementing the sustainable development project as to why decisions are being made and for whom. If these questions are opened up to the project stakeholders, including beneficiaries, then the Kolb cycle could encourage learning and understanding by all involved. It could also provide Sustainability Therapy to those trapped in processes, which they find orthogonal to their own perceptions. It is suggested that such learning, therapy and reflective practice should be a valid output of the sustainable development project, although typically the focus is only upon the final outputs and how they feed into policy. Ironically funders would be well advised to take a broader perspective in order to achieve true 'value for money' within such projects, even if learning is not an easily measurable or tangible outcome. These points are explored within the context of the wider literature and experience with a sustainable development project undertaken in Malta.     

Sustainable development and the community: Lessons from the KASHA project,botswana

Summary This paper focuses on the characteristics of sustainable development as manifested in localized contexts and situations. It examines the KASHA project in Botswana, and suggests an important conceptual link between the community and sustainable development. To convey the message that there is hope and that "Sustainable Development" is possible, the paper suggests the need to document, share, describe and talk about successful programmes like KASHA.Dr Stephen Ameyaw is currently Assistant Professor of Planning in the Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary. His research interests are focused on women and development, community development, regional planning, policy and institutional development. He has conducted research in Canada, Ghana and Botswana.     

Land use in Korean tidal wetlands: impacts and management strategies

The coastal landscapes in southwestern Korea include a diverse array of tidal wetlands and salt marshes. These coastal zones link the ecological functions of marine tidal wetlands and freshwater ecosystems with terrestrial ecosystems. They are rich in biological diversity and play important roles in sustaining ecological health and processing environmental pollutants. Korean tidal wetlands are particularly important as nurseries for economically important fishes and habitats for migratory birds. Diking, draining, tourism, and conversion to agricultural and urban uses have adversely affected Korean tidal wetlands. Recent large development projects have contributed to further losses. Environmental impact assessments conducted for projects affecting tidal wetlands and their surrounding landscapes should be customized for application to these special settings. Adequate environmental impact assessments will include classification of hydrogeomorphic units and consideration of their responses to biological and environmental stressors. As is true worldwide, Korean laws and regulations are changing to be more favorable to the conservation and protection of tidal wetlands. More public education needs to be done at the local level to build support for tidal wetland conservation. Some key public education points include the role of tidal wetlands in maintaining healthy fish populations and reducing impacts of nonpoint source pollution. There is also a need to develop procedures for integrating economic and environmental objectives within the overall context of sustainable management and land uses.     

四川省水电行业环境监理试点工作实践与探讨

长期以来,我国对水电工程建设的环境管理实行环境影响评价和"三同时"制度,主抓环保审批和竣工验收两个环节,在工程施工阶段的环境管理相对薄弱,因此在水电资源开发的同时,也带来了一定程度的环境污染和生态破坏。为实现水电开发与环境保护的协调可持续发展,本文作者以某梯级电站为例,结合所参与的水电建设项目,对水电建设环境监理进行梳理和探讨,以期为水电建设项目环境监理的发展提供一定的理论及技术支持。     

Policy conditions for sustainable agriculture in the Netherlands

Summary Sustainability as a goal is widely accepted and ranked high on the political agenda. Although the operationalization of this concept differs, the range of opinions shows a pseudo-consensus. Sustainable agriculture is defined in this paper as an agriculture that fulfils functions with regard to food production, nature and landscape, and the development of the rural areas now and in the future. This requires a set of ecological criteria for the agricultural sector. Besides the ecological aspects, sustainable agriculture has consequences for the economic, cultural and socio-political aspects of society. This paper concentrates on the socio-political conditions for sustainable agriculture. An important strategy for the realisation of sustainable agriculture is the stimulation of sustainable initiatives of (groups of) farmers, in particular on a regional level. The future perspectives of such a bottom-upwards approach are described by giving some examples of initiatives of Dutch farmers. It will be argued that the national governmental policy has to enlarge the scope for the development of farming practices.Dr Ing L.G. (Ina) Horlings studied land and water management at the Larenstein International Agricultural College in Velp before studying geography at the University of Nijmegen. She currently works at this university as a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Environmental Policy Sciences at the University. She is writing her thesis on agricultural policy. Her publications relate to environmental aspects of spatial research, farmer's initiatives and agricultural landuse.     

The integration of EIA and planning in New Zealand: changing process and practice

The Resource Management Act, passed in 1991, has significantly revised the practice of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in New Zealand. In contrast to a previous emphasis on environmental impact reports of major projects, the new requirements call for environmental impact assessment of all resource consent applications and of all regional, district and city policies and plans. This signals a change directed at incorporating environmental considerations into day‐to‐day planning decisions, with the purpose of achieving sustainable management. The paper identifies and discusses some key issues which are critical for successful integration of EIA within a planning framework.