Ebook: The Application of Economic Techniques in Environmental Impact Assessment

The contribution of economic thought and method to environmental management needs practical illustration. Too few books on the subject achieve such an outcome. This book is among the notable exceptions. That economics can provide a powerful vehicle for communicating an integrated understanding of the often diverse scientific findings germane to environmental im­ pact assessment needs to be illustrated convincingly. This book does just that. But it does more. It speaks across cultures: not to transfer know-how from one culture to another, but rather to activate an effective exchange of insights from one locale on the planet to another. As such, it is a genuine contribution to the great en­ vironmental exhortation of our times - think globally, act locally. Too often the people best placed to make such contributions are too committed to practical outcomes and making a living doing so. Just occasionally, however, they can be persuaded to make the special effort required to communicate globally. In this book, David James has once again orchestrated the contributions of vir­ tuoso performers. In doing so he has emulated the contribution he sustained throughout the International Drylands Project and preparation of the books written with John Dixon and Paul Sherman: The Economics ofDry/and Management and Case Studies in Dry/and Management (Earthscan, London). Taken together with his recent work as Special Commissioner for the path­ breaking national Forest and Timber Inquiry for the Australian Government, we have a body of work characterised by great worthiness, integrity and true global significance.

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This volume is based on a number of reports prepared over several years for a research project jointly sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau and the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.
Since release of the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, the quest has intensified for methods that combine economic analysis and environmental assessments to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The main purpose of this volume is to explain how this may be accomplished. It combines scientific assessments, economic analysis and governmental procedures in an integrated approach to planning for economic development and environmental protection. The first four chapters explain economic concepts and techniques and their incorporation in EIA procedure. Six carefully selected case studies are presented, demonstrating practical applications in six different countries -- Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, the Philippines, Hawaii and Australia.
The volume will assist all participants involved in environmental impact assessment: public and private development proponents, environmental and conservation groups, public administrators and decision makers, and interested members of the public. The book is unique in that it combines economics, EIA techniques, procedures, and institutional aspects.