What are the most important tools and techniques for entry-level environmental planning?

In urban planning, GIS and spatial analysis become indispensable tools for entry-level environmental planners. Imagine using GIS software to map urban green spaces, analyze land-use patterns, and assess biodiversity hotspots. Spatial analysis could then be applied to identify optimal locations for sustainable infrastructure, contributing to informed decision-making in urban environmental planning.

In environmental monitoring, GIS can be used to retrieve bathymetric data, satellite imagery, and oceanographic data. Additionally, you can utilize GIS tools to identify and map different marine habitats based on environmental factors. Implement change detection analysis to monitor alterations in the marine environment over time. Also, identify and analyze spatial hotspots or areas with significant ecological importance.

Un caso muy concreto, ha sido trabajar en colaboración con ONG locales, donde se sienten mejor las necesidades de los usuarios. En mi caso, necesidades verdes para lazer y relaciones humanas

Not engaging with stakeholders early in the planning process can create significant roadblocks and result in wasted time for the team. One of the best approaches is to start at ground zero, engaging with community members, local leaders, and stakeholders involved in planning permissions. Incorporating traditional knowledge into architectural design and respecting local knowledge and context sets the stage for maximal environmental positivity with minimal negative impact.

Stakeholder engagement is crucial to educate them on the need for environmental planning and to get their long-term buy-in in the project. This is especially relevant in less mature markets where the concept is not as widely known and accepted. Demonstrating the benefit that environmental planning could offer directly to that specific stakeholder is often the most effective way to go about it.

Consider all environmental impacts of the project. From air and water quality to impacts on fauna and flora, a comprehensive analysis ensures no significant environmental impacts are overlooked. Conduct an accurate risk analysis to identify potential environmental impacts. Consider not only short-term effects, but especially long-term effects. This enables targeted measures to minimize risks. Consider and apply proven frameworks and standards like EIA, SEA, IAIA, IFC Performance Standards, ISO 14001, CITES or have a look at UNEP EIA Training Resource Manual.

Normalmente, es la base de cada uno de los Proyectos a realizar: La evaluación, y no sólo al principio, legal y práctico, así como se menciona unido a la ética, facilita al Técnico a evaluar posibilidades y evitar sorpresas que podrían peligrar el Proyecto

Muy bueno!! Mucho criticamos los Técnicos, que se invierte mucho en el Proyecto, en el personal cualificado, en materiales…pero se termina el Proyecto y su ejecución, y no hay un verdadero seguimiento del conjunto. Es FUNDAMENTAL.

Environmental, social, and economic aspects are not enough. You should always incorporate the ethical aspect as well. If what you are doing is not ethically correct, even when the other three aspects may appear apparently correct, if the ethical parameter is not balance, your project will never be sustainable.

Does anyone here have a way to measure social impact? I organise mass participation events and we certainly do leave a decent carbon footprint. However sport participation events have a great effect on society to encourage a healthy lifestyle and is certainly beneficial after Covid. would be great to co-create a good practice on measurement of social impact

For a proper scenario planning always look backwards, towards the past. There is no better way of learning how the future will be, than by learning from the past experience.

Use a holistic perspective, capable of presenting all aspect necessary to take informed decisions. If there are unattended areas left behind, there is where the negative effects of the project will come into play. Check out the Symbiotic Design Framework for this.