ABSTRACT
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL assessments is not disputed. The demands for such assessments have increased over the past 30 years, and their supply has increased correspondingly. The question we had, however, when we started this book, was whether we could learn from an analysis of past experiences and draw some conclusions about the design of assessments. The case studies presented in the book illustrate many of the design decisions that are faced regularly, as well as lessons learned. They also show, however, that there is no blueprint, no “one-size-fits-all” design, for assessments. Still, it is possible to draw some broad conclusions about possible pitfalls and successful strategies that will be useful for those commissioning, designing, carrying out, and using assessments. Confidence in these broad conclusions is based not only on the wide range of assessments addressed in this book but also through cross-reference to other studies and discussions with many of those involved in assessment processes. On the other hand, much also depends on the context within which an assessment is carried out, and it is therefore not possible to provide firm design rules.
