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DESCRIPTION OF EnRA

Because EnRA evolved from several approaches, there is no universal definition and framework (ADB, 1990; USEPA, 1992; Suter, 1993, NRC-US, 1983; EC, 1996; USEPA, 1997). However, the EnRA methodology employed for the Sustainable Cities Program of UNCHS and UNEP (UNEP-IETC, 1996) evaluates environmental status to predict future consequences of exposure to hazards and other actions in urban-industrial situations (see Figures 2 and 3). The chemical industry and other heavy industries make good use of EnRA to evaluate the human health and ecological risks that new chemicals and other industrial products may entail if used in various production, commerce, trade, consumption and disposal, i.e., throughout the chemical product's entire life cycle.

The goal of EnRA is to attain the desired development and growth without unduly harming humans or the environment. Thus, it is focused on predicting the probability of effects of an action or condition on health of humans (Human Health Risk Assessment) and environmental resources (Ecological Risk Assessment). Aside from the risk assessment, a key output of EnRA is the risk management plan that describes the ways and means of coping with the predicted risks and managing these to acceptable levels. The risk management plan also contains the risk communication plan which details the technical and management information that must be communicated to stakeholders and the process of doing so.

Figure 2
Components of human health risk and ecological risk

Figure 3
Agents that affect humans and the environment

USERS Of EnRA

EnRA is a major tool for any individual or organization dealing with risks. At a formal scale, we refer to risk assessors and risk managers as the professional practitioners of EnRA. Current practice of EnRA is based on key issues mutually agreed upon between technical experts and stakeholders (see Figure 4). Technical experts in ecology, environmental chemistry, engineering, health and related disciplines provide the objective assessment of the issues. Stakeholders input the value-driven aspects, such as policy, economics, aesthetics and broad-based public interest on critical environmental issues. Stakeholders participate in defining societal values and the system at risk.

Current EnRA practice incorporates a dialogue and consensus-building process among stakeholders and the technical experts. Risk communication is crucial to effective risk management. Technical information must reach not only risk managers but also stakeholders in a comprehensive and comprehensible manner. On the other hand, stakeholder concerns must be elaborated and incorporated in technical approaches and management decisions.

Risk communication planning must appreciate that decision-making in EnRA is difficult because there are trade-offs to be made among competing objectives and perspectives. Uncertainties are also inherent in risk assessments because natural systems are chaotic and variable (See Figure 5).

Figure 4
Stakeholder involvement in environmental assessment

Figure 5
Uncertainties in risk management

In summary, EnRA is a process used to answer three questions:

• What can go wrong?
• What is the likelihood and severity of any adverse occurrence?
• What can be done to manage any significant adverse occurrence and who should be involved?

Generically, the EnRA questions refer to risk perception, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication (See Figure 6).

Figure 6
Components of risk management

• Brochure
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• International Year of Forests
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• World Environment Day
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• UNEP Campaign
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