ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores the prospects for the future development of environmental audit (EA). It rounds off the discussion on EA in general and the role that the process can play in the search for sustainable development. It examines the prospects for EA within an evolving system of local environmental management and then explores the role of the EA process in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. It includes two themes in particular, implementation mechanisms and the role of individuals, because they are illustrative of a number of fundamental issues. Environmental management systems (EMAS) in particular lays great emphasis on this with not only an overall management system for each of the registered operational units but also a Corporate Overview and Coordination System to ensure that the audit is the responsibility of the entire authority.
