" ... An aid in the formulation of methodologies for the California Continuing Resource Investment Strategy Project (CCRISP).

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a significant, anticipatory, environmental management tool. International debate focuses on its enhancement to meet the challenges of sustainable development as well as demands for scientifically robust integrated and participative decision-making. This handbook hopes to improve practices by contributing an international, multidisciplinary, ready-reference source to this debate. Volume I addresses EIA principles, process and methods. Part 1 maps the EIA process and its impact on decision. It positions EIA in the context of sustainable development and relative to other decision tools, including economic valuation. It also positions strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in a similar way. Part 2 addresses the elements of the EIA process and significant impact assessment topics (air, water, ecological, social, risk, landscape and visual) not only in terms of good practice but also methodological evolution. This volume concludes by addressing cumulative impact assessment and SEA methods. Volume II provides a unique consideration for EIA implementation and practice in Europe, Africa, the Far East, South America and North America. It uses a number of project types to provide 'how to do' guidance and addresses practice in policy and plan assessment. This book should be read by legislators, decision-makers, economists, developers, industrial managers and consultants involved in this significant field.

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.