In order to optimally manage the environment and natural resources, it is vitally important to recognize that there is much more to consider than just the environment itself and the natural resources it provides. A key consideration is also the interrelationship between natural ecosystems and human involvement and behavior. This interaction is where the field of environmental resource management comes into play: the complex ecological and sociological systems of the natural world intertwined. The purpose of this book is to consider such matters, and to help readers develop their own capacities as environmental managers and stewards. Bruce Mitchell's textbook Resource and Environmental Management served as the gold standard for many environmental science courses when the first edition published in 1997. Now, twenty years later, an updated third edition allows for the inclusion of recent developments. The book covers the basic theories and concepts of environmental resource management, and guides students to be able to apply those concepts to practical situations. By covering basic theories and concepts, and by using case studies to show how these have been applied, Bruce Mitchell's new edition seeks to ensure that students have competence in both aspects. The text enhances the reader's capacity to conduct practice and research in resource and environmental management.

Bruce Mitchell is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. His research interests focus on policy and governance related to natural resource and environmental management, with particular attention on facilitating effective implementation of integrated water resources management. He has conducted research and provided advice to governments in Australia, Britain, Canada, China, India, Indonesia and Nigeria. He is a Past President of the Canadian Water Resources Association and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Fellow of the International Water Resources Association.

List of figures List of tables List of guest authors Preface to the third edition Chapter 1: Challenges and Opportunities Chapter 2: Visions for the Future: Sustainable Development and Resilience Chapter 3: Ecosystem Approach Chapter 4: Governance Chapter 5: Social Learning, Learning Organizations and Adaptive Environmental Management Chapter 6: Stakeholders and Partnerships Chapter 7: Alternative Dispute Resolution Chapter 8: Assessing Alternatives Chapter 9: Applying Business Perspectives Chapter 10: Implementation Chapter 11: Monitoring and Evaluation Chapter 12: Moving Forward Further Readings Glossary