Environmental Management

Abstract

Although environmental managers are usually social scientists, there are numerous requirements within the management matrix that need the input of geologists. Because environmental management cuts across nearly all segments of human activities, it is vital that most societal segments be represented on decision-making bodies. Environmental management consists of deliberate planning and administrating policies that determine the status of the biosphere. It involves all levels of human endeavors, agencies, companies, and governments — local, regional, and national. Furthermore, because of the extreme complexity of environmental matters, and the different constituencies, involvement of many different disciplines is required, especially those in the social and natural sciences. Also, guidelines for management necessitate flexibility, because the ultimate objectives and how to reach them depend upon a variety of factors. For example, the strategies to be adopted may vary depending upon what is being managed; is it a process, a resource, a land parcel, or some other type of entity?