Environmental Economics Forum

Following the completion and publication of the Manual on Assessing the Benefits of Surface Water Quality Improvements and support from FWR Members, the Foundation took the initiative for setting up this forum.

The inaugural meeting of the forum was held in March 1997 to agree terms of reference and the structure of future consultations, which are:-

• To facilitate the co-ordination of research activity on environmental economics for all three sectors - air, land and water - initially in the UK (Phase1).
• It is proposed to expand this to become an international forum in Phase 2.

Phase 1 has made good progress having held substantial debates on the water and land sectors. It is expected that the air sector will be introduced this year.

Although Phase 2 has not yet officially started, already we have corresponding members from Australia and South Africa.

On average, the forum holds 3 meetings a year, at which presentations are made and current issues debated.

What do we all mean when we talk about "sustainability" and "sustainable development"? Read our Chairman's review of these topical and much misused terms. Find out why a Malthusian prophecy should be discussed along with sustainable development. Your comments will be welcomed. Use the link in the panel on the left  to the feedback form.