Theory and practice of environmental mediation

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Environ. Prof.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6940852

W, Cormick G

A discussion is presented of some of the critical conceptual elements which must be addressed in an attempt to better understand the sources and process of environmental conflicts and the differing types of intervenor and intervention processes presently being applied to such conflicts. Based on the extensive experience of the Office of Environmental Mediation, particular attention is paid to the appropriate definition and application of the negotiation/mediation process. The paper begins with an exploration of the role of conflict in the emergence and evolution of social issues, such as environmental concerns. Particular attention is given to defining the role of the intervenor in such conflicts and exploring some of its ethical and structural dimensions. The negotiation/mediation process is differentiated from other conflict management/decision-making processes, and prerequisites to viable negotiations are identified. In an effort to better understand the relationship between alternatve intervention processes and their appropriate application to specific conflict situations, such conflicts are analyzed and compared on the basis of two key variables: issue breadth and complexity and developmental stages in the conflict process. The presentation concludes with a comparison of the differing orientations (values, facts and process) of professionals who intervene in environmental conflict situations. Intervenors who are employed by government agencies are addressed as a special case.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Washington, Seattle
• OSTI ID: 6940852
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Environ. Prof.; (United States) Journal Volume: 2:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DECISION MAKING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
INTERVENORS
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LEGAL INCENTIVES
MEDIATION
POLLUTION LAWS