SUMMARY OF FEATURED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Methodology taken from rapid and participatory rural appraisal and involving research that is comprehensive, multisectoral, relatively short term and consistent between cities.

Involves information on environmental conditions, interaction between urban development, ecosystems or managerial setting that exists to respond to environmental problems in cities in developing world

Seeks to clarify issues, involve key actors, identify priorities and build political commitment as a strategic approach to urban environmental planning and management

Data on cities along the following areas:

- baseline social and economic status
- baseline housing conditions
- baseline health conditions
- natural environment
- land use
- urban transport
- urban energy use
- air pollution
- water resources, water supply
- sewerage/ sanitation
- solid hazardous waste

Provision of informational and consensual basis for preparing an environmental profile and urban environmental management strategy

1. Methodology generates purely descriptive information; no indication of range of possible solutions

2. Relies only on existing information

3. Results not always comparable across cities: different time frames, manner or sourcing

4. No definitive statistical representation of sample cities

Is a systematic and iterative approach of predicting the probability of effects of an action or condition on human health (human health risk assessment [HHRA]) and environmental resources (ecological risk assessment [EcoRA])

Incorporates technical information and societal value in arriving at risk management interruptions

Seeks to determine the following:

- what can go wrong (in an activity/ situation)
- 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

Quantifies the comparison and prioritization of risks
Provides an informed, scientific basis for cost-benefit analysis
Considers uncertainties, thus making assessment more credible

Designed to provide a systematic overview of a city's development activities and how these interact with its environmental resources, and support the identification and mobilization of stakeholders

Seeks to:

1. Provide a systematic overview of a city's development activities and how they interact with the city's environmental resources

2. Support the identification and mobilization of stakeholders

Detailed aspects of following major areas:

- City physical, features, economic, social, administrative aspects
- City's development setting
- City's environment setting
- City's management setting

A City Environmental Profile that should enable the city to effectively plan ways of gaining efficiency and productivity within context of their urban environment

Usefulness of Profile depends among others on:
- Accuracy of data & validation by stakeholders
- Political will of local leaders to undertake necessary changes and allocate proper resources