Title: Introduction of integrated risk assessment and management activities in Ventspils, Latvia

Authors: Esko F. Blokker

Addresses: DCMR, Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond, Gravelandseweg 565, 3119 XT Schiedam, The Netherlands

Abstract: The most important aspects of integrated risk management are not the science and the tools of risk assessment, but rather the structuring of political decision-making and the initiating of a policy process based on the risk concept. Integrated risk management at the local government level was introduced in the town of Ventspils in Latvia. We first obtained the active support of the political leaders. We taught the project team to carry out all the work for themselves by giving them the appropriate education. Some of the main products were a policy plan with respect to the risks of accidents with hazardous materials and an environmental policy plan.

Keywords: environmental policy; Latvia; risk assessment; integrated risk management; Ventspils; local government; political decision making; local government; hazardous materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.1996.028293

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 1996 Vol.6 No.4/5/6, pp.656 - 661

Published online: 16 Sep 2009 *

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