Blog
THE MEANING OF INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IEM)
https://iemerst633.wordpress.com/2014/08/31/what-is-integrated-environemtal-management-iem/
WHAT IS INTEGRATED ENVIRONEMTAL MANAGEMENT (IEM)?
What is IEM?
In order to define what IEM is in this blog, some scholars are referenced as they have made substantial contribution in this area of integrated environmental management these include Buhrs (1995) and R. D. Margerum (1999).
Buhrs (1995) defines Integrated Environmental Management as an approach to the management of the environment that takes into account its complex, multifaceted, and interconnected nature. Meanwhile Margerum (1999) is defining integrated environmental management (IEM) as framework that promotes a holistic and interconnected approach to managing environmental systems through a goal-oriented and strategic process.
Integrated environmental management framework is both a theoretical and practical approach to meet the right balance between development and the environment in a sustainable manner.
In the figure below shows schematic representation of how decision making, management and monitoring tools related to the tools of integrated environmental management.
REPORT THIS AD
The three legs of the IEM
In order to have a better understanding of IEM I broke it into three key concepts of integration, environment and management and this is how easily it comes through.
- Integration
In the definition above, integration means integrating all of the aspects (environmental broad range of issues) including the following as according to the matrix set up by Burhs (1995);
- Integration of Multidisciplinary approach of knowledge, information and interpretation,
- Integrating institutional arrangements in their wide involvement and participation of multiple stakeholders,
- Integrating policies and other related appropriate tools in the decision-making processes.
Environment
This is considered to be the natural and physical resources that consist of biophysical, social and economic components and the relationship how they interact within and between them. In the figure shown environment can be considered as air, water, land, plants (forests), animals and people themselves.
- Management
Simply management here refers to the stepwise processes of initiating, planning, implementing, controlling and closing an activity, including the associated responsibilities and accountability. This means to get things done and can include all frameworks, tools, information and communication and related approaches that make IEM work.
REPORT THIS AD
Why we need IEM?
Let us think now about sustainable development. We need sound planning of our environment to help achieve sustainable development (SD) through the main pillars of social equity, economic viability and environmental stewardship. Also, because our livelihoods depend on our natural resources in the environment it is wise to refer to Margerum who acknowledges the benefits of IEM.
The benefits of IEM
The benefits of IEM outlined by Margerum (1999) include:
- Improved communication between all parties involved
- Integration of knowledge from multiple specialist disciplines allowing better informed decisions,
- improved public confidence in decisions owing to participation,
- Improved environmental quality and
- Increased efficiency in implementation because potential problems are dealt with in planning.
Reflection
On my own views, we all need IEM since most of our Earth natural resources have a limit these include land, water, wildlife, forests, aquatic resources and clean air. Without sustainable management of these resources we are likely to face many environmental problems in the future. But through IEM we can stretch out our policies to manage and plan for our limited available natural resources to utilize in a very sustainable way. Failure to plan and manage well the resources we have (as mentioned above) the question that follows is what will be next in the 50 years to come in terms of environmental pollution and degradation?
References.
REPORT THIS AD
Buhrs, T. (1995). Integrated Environmental Management: Towards A Framework for Application (pp. 1-19). Lincoln University. Christchurch, New Zealand.
Margerum, R. D. (1999). Integrated Environmental Management: lessons from the Trinity Inlet Management Program. Land Use Policy 16 (1999) 179-190. http://www.coagbushfireenquiry.gov.au/subs_pdf/stanton/74_5_STANTON_land_use_policy.pdf
Kumar, J. (2013). Integrated Environmental Management. Presentation Transcript. http://www.slideshare.net/jitenderanduat/integrated-environmental-management.