The Integration Imperative ― Cumulative Environmental, Community and Health Effects of Multiple Natural Resource Developments

The purpose of this work is to develop a better understanding and thinking about the cumulative impacts of multiple natural resource development projects. Cumulative impacts are now one of the most pressing, but complex challenges facing governments, industry, communities, and conservation and natural resource professionals. There has been technical and policy research exploring how cumulative environmental impacts can be assessed and managed. These studies, however, have failed to consider the necessary integration of community, environment and health. Informed by knowledge and experience in northern British Columbia, this book seeks to expand our understanding of the cumulative impacts of natural resource development through an integrated lens. The book offers a timely response to a growing imperative – proposing integrative response to multiple natural resource developments in a way that addresses converging environment, community and health issues. Informed by the editors’ experiences across several complementary areas of expertise, we envision this book as appealing to a wide range of researchers, educators and practitioners, with relevance to a growing audience with appetite for and interest in integrative approaches.

Michael Gillingham serves as professor of Ecosystem Science and Management Program for the University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Gillingham's research interests include the application of quantitative analyses and modeling to aspects of behavioural ecology, and wildlife ecology and management.

Greg Halseth serves as Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies for the University of Northern British Columbia. His research covers community economic development, rural and small town social geography, and rural policy.

Chris Johnson serves as associate professor for the University of Northern British Columbia's Ecosystem Science and Management Program. His research interests include include cumulative impacts of resource development on wildlife, assessment of species-distribution models, and community-based conservation monitoring and planning.

Margot Parkes serves as Canada Research Chair in Health, Ecosystems, and Society for the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research covers complex issues bringing together public health, education, and policy.