7 July 2003 Environmental Management – putting the 'triple bottom line' into action

"Triple bottom line" – no it's not some new creation on the catwalk of high fashion but a term now clothing the world of environmental decision-making in an appealingly sensible "new look".

The environment around us is a complex fabric of many strands and threads. Connections and relationships are woven together inseparably in a matrix of factors all contributing to the character and uniqueness of the whole.

"To understand, analyse and manage the environment requires tremendous expertise and understanding," says Lincoln University Senior Lecturer Dr Geoff Kerr, who teaches into the Bachelor of Resource Studies programme.

"These days international, national and local organisations, both public and private, talk of the need for a 'triple bottom line' approach to decision-making.

"In straightforward terms this is all about making decisions which take into account the biophysical, social and economic factors in any situation."

The Bachelor of Resource Studies degree at Lincoln University has in fact embraced this philosophy for the past 10 years and graduates have gone on to highly successful careers in central and local government, research institutes, teaching, consultancies, private companies and non-commercial organisations such as environmental trusts.

The degree is unique in New Zealand in terms of its integrative approach to the environment and the way in which it brings together the study of wide-ranging and complex factors.

"It's the way of the world, and we're there," says Dr Kerr.

"It is reflected in each of the degree's four specialisations. These specialisations give students the basis to position themselves appropriately for professional careers in environmental management and they are:

• The environmental management stream focuses on environmental and natural resource management skills, biophysical sciences, and on interdisciplinary methods that incorporate economic and social analysis into policy-making processes. It appeals to students who want to apply their skills directly to local management issues.

• Environmental policy and planning covers scientific, social, economic, political, and institutional influences on policies, as well as the skills relevant to policy-making and monitoring. This stream appeals to students who want to implement and monitor good policy. The environmental policy and planning stream lays a foundation for training as a professional environmental planner and graduates can expect to qualify for membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute after an additional year of postgraduate training.

• Human ecology and development emphasises relationships between humans and the environment, including spiritual dimensions, and implications for socio-economic and community development, both in New Zealand and overseas. This stream appeals to students seeking to manage environmental and social change at the "grass-roots" level.

• Resource Studies – non-specialist stream. This stream offers students the opportunity to develop specialisations in areas of personal interest. Course advisers work with students to develop a suite of subjects that meet the particular student's objectives. For example, one area of specialisation currently offering many employment opportunities is Transport Studies.