ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the sorts of initiatives which can be taken in the local economy which can not only improve regional environmental performance but, by involving businesses, can also aid the development of better environmental performance at the firm level. European Union environmental policies on land, water and air pollution have important consequences for planning and use of the EUs land area. The roots of the regional environmental management approach are to be found within the concept of bioregionalism. Regional management centres on ecological improvement through environmental rehabilitation, and prevention of further environmental degradation through the introduction of specific management and control systems. The regional environmental management system (REMS) goes further than that because it not only introduces environmental management on a regional scale, but actively uses it as a tool to enhance the economic prospects of the region by integrating environmental, economic and social factors in the REMS. The landscape and countryside will be better managed and preserved.
