Methods for integrating environment into decision-making in China

Authors

  • Q. H. Fang State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
  • H. S. Hong State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
  • L. P. Zhang State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
  • W. Q. Chen State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
  • X. Z. Xue State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China

Keywords:

strategic environmental assessment, environmental planning, Xiamen

Abstract

The prevailing systems for decision-making in many countries tend to separate environmental factors at the policy, planning and management levels, a practice that has important implications for sustainable development. Among many methods, at different decision-making levels, environmental planning and environmental assessment are currently the most widely used in China. This article briefly introduces four case studies featuring environmental planning and assessment in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast China. Differences in scope of application, timing, nature, legal status, methodologies and effectiveness are described. Six principles for the successful integration of environmental protection and development are advanced based on the analytical results. As well, a simplified integration framework is proposed.

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Published

2006-01-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2006): Aquatic Ecosystems of China: Concerns, Technologies and Management

Section

Research article

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