PROFILE: Integrated Environmental Management: The Foundations for Successful Practice

Abstract

/ Integrated environmental management (IEM) is a holistic and goal-oriented approach to environmental management that addresses interconnections through a strategic approach. Although no models of IEM have emerged, practitioners throughout the world are forging ahead with the concept. The literature indicates that stakeholder collaboration and public involvement are central to operationalizingthis model, because this interaction produces a more integrated approach and generates support for implementation. However, it is not clear what steps and conditions are necessary for successful translation of IEM into operation. The author draws on twenty-three case studies from the United States and Australia, a survey of 285 Australian stakeholders and the literature to produce a framework for IEM. The framework identifies 20 elements that-if attained-will increase the likelihood of successful operationalization of IEM. These elements address structuring of an integrated approach, operation of stakeholder processes, and outputs and outcomes. The elements do not constitute a formula for success, but a generic set of attributes that constitute a foundation for effective practice.KEY WORDS: Integrated environmental management; Stakeholder collaboration; Ecosystem managementhttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n2p151.html

Institutional Adaptation of Water Resource Infrastructures to Climate Change in Eastern Ontario

“…Local residents increasingly perceive themselves as 'stakeholders' in the municipal debate about what is socially desirable and acceptable for their communities; they find that governments, the definitive stakeholders which score high on legitimacy and power, are clearly not doing an effective management job by scoring low on the urgency of an issue (Eythórson, 2003;McDuff, 2001). Numerous studies have confirmed the longing by individuals and groups to have both a voice in, and a closer scrutiny of municipal decisionmaking, especially the environmental policy process (Benest, 1998;Frewer, 1999;Margerum, 1999;Smith, 1998;Abel et al, 2000;Sweeney, 2001). Case studies, where participatory approaches have been applied successfully, are also numerous (Byron et al, 2002;de Loe et al, 2002).…”

Introduction: the challenges of collaboration in environmental governance

“…The concept of working across boundaries, a regional focus and public consultation have all been long-standing themes in governance (Advisory Commission on Interstate Relations, 1972;Arnstein, 1969;Dworsky and Allee, 1981;Healey, 1997;Rogers and Whetten, 1982). More recently these concepts were updated to reflect the need to examine problems in a more holistic and integrated approach through terminology such as co-management, integrated management, and watershed and ecosystem management (Berkes, 2009;Born and Sonzogni, 1995;Cortner and Moote, 1999;Johnson and Agee, 1988;Loh and Rykiel, 1992;Margerum, 1999). Collaboration is broad and diverse drawing from multiple academic lenses to examine how real-world collaborative arrangements and practice achieve inclusive participation, consensus-based approaches, knowledge sharing, integrated management and supporting networks (Gray, 1989;Innes and Booher, 2009;Margerum, 2011;Robinson et al, 2011).…”

Analyse organisationnelle de la gestion de l’eau par bassin versant au Québec

“…Si, formellement, « l'action des OBV ne doit pas se substituer à l'action des usagers ou des acteurs institutionnels » (propos d'un membre de la permanence d'un OBV), ces cas apparaissent donc comme cohérents avec le cadre proposé. Par ailleurs, plusieurs auteurs soulignent l'importance pour les jeunes organismes locaux d'initier rapidement des actions concrètes afin de bâtir la confiance des membres face aux approches participatives (entre autres Barraqué, 1997 ;et Margerum, 1999). En outre, il importe de rappeler qu'en développant des actions sur le terrain de même que l'expertise nécessaire à cette tâche, les OBV développent du même coup des intérêts qui leur sont propres et deviennent eux-mêmes acteurs de l'eau.…”