Introduction to a special issue on cumulative effects assessment and management

Abstract

This issue of Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal focuses on recent developments in cumulative effects assessment and management (CEAM). It brings together selected papers on this approach from the special topic meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment (Calgary, 8-11 November 2008) held to take stock of the effectiveness of current approaches. At the meeting, over 400 members and other interested practitioners reviewed North American and international experience in addressing cumulative effects. More than 130 papers were presented in some 20 sessions, covering many aspects and issues of CEAM practice and with particular attention to the procedures, methods and tools that are used in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). This issue contains six papers that were developed out of the discussions held during the Calgary conference.