Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Framework at the Municipality Scale
Felix Iyalomhe,
Philipa Idogho
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
57-64
Received:
20 February 2015
Accepted:
3 April 2015
Published:
12 May 2015
Abstract: Negative impacts of developments on the health of humans and the environment in the Waterberg municipality of South Africa are anticipated. An understanding of such impacts demands the integration of relevant environmental monitoring and assessments (i.e. biophysical and socioeconomic) in order to examine the negative impacts before planned developments in the region. Over the years, an integrated approach to environmental monitoring has not been very successful, because of vague conceptualization and lack of clear objectives and priorities linked to the interpretation of roles and responsibilities for compliance with regulatory and management programs (e.g. South African National Environmental Management Air Quality Act No. 39 of 2004 etc.). This paper proposes a conceptual framework as an approach to integrate different environmental monitoring and assessments of biophysical and socioeconomic systems in the context of planned developments. It identifies relevant types of environmental monitoring and assessment and describes how these could be linked, and highlights the concept of an integrated environmental baseline not just as a basis for present and future environmental conditions, but also as a potential link between the various processes and practitioners of all monitoring and assessments; while it attempts to enhance a full understanding of changes in environmental conditions and their likely trends, drivers and impacts. This paper theoretically illustrate the framework using the Waterberg municipality, in order to highlight its potentials as a proactive and integrated approach to understanding changes in environmental conditions and consequent impacts on the health of humans and the environment due to anticipated changes in key environmental parameters. Thus, this paper argues that the framework could provide a systematic procedure to environmental monitoring and assessment, and a coherent understanding of environmental conditions before planned developments at a local scale, by informing concepts and processes that should link various monitoring initiatives and their practitioners.
Abstract: Negative impacts of developments on the health of humans and the environment in the Waterberg municipality of South Africa are anticipated. An understanding of such impacts demands the integration of relevant environmental monitoring and assessments (i.e. biophysical and socioeconomic) in order to examine the negative impacts before planned develop...
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The Analysis of Sustainable Waterfront Development Strategy - The Case of Keelung Port City
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
65-78
Received:
13 April 2015
Accepted:
5 May 2015
Published:
16 May 2015
Abstract: This paper discusses the phenomenon and historic background of the waterfront development. It emphasizes the need for system programming and sustainable management consideration pursuing the development of estuarine or coastal land. It also explains that the success or failure of a waterfront development should be evaluated through a set of multi-aspect indexes. According to different types of waterfronts, their spatial needs are also specific. In the paper, based on concepts of Alvin Toffler’s Third Wave, the framework of three stages and six types of waterfront development is devised to discuss its evolution and functions. The development strength of waterfront is divided into three degrees originating the sustainable development concept. In development strategy aspect, this paper analyzes the original meaning and content of waterfront development. Finally, Keelung port city is then taken as an example of to illustrate the waterfront land use development while examining the problems of its current strategies.
Abstract: This paper discusses the phenomenon and historic background of the waterfront development. It emphasizes the need for system programming and sustainable management consideration pursuing the development of estuarine or coastal land. It also explains that the success or failure of a waterfront development should be evaluated through a set of multi-a...
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