Cairns Model for Integrated Environmental Management - IEM

Working in an integrated way to achieve short and long term collaborative, holistic sustainable outcomes for environmental problems is complex. Thankfully others such as Buhrs and Cairns have come up with models to guide an IEM process. 

Below the Cairns IEM model explains a step by step approach from problem definition through to achieving short and long term goals. Cairns' full name was Hugh John Foster Cairns and he was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a British microbiologist that contributed to molecular genetics, public health and cancer research. 

Cairns IEM model. Source: Cairns, J, J. 1991.

According to Cairns, IEM can be defined as ''a proactive or preventive measures that maintain the environment in good condition for a variety of long-range sustainable uses. Alternatively, IEM may be regarded as coordinated control, direction, or influence of all human activities in a defined environmental system to achieve and balance the broadest possible range of short- and long-term objectives'' (Cairns & Crawford, 1991).

For a group study assignment, Cairns model was used to explain research and analysis within the methods section of an analytical report.  

The report segmented the analysis report into the five spheres - environmental, cultural, social, economic and political. And the study assignment research team referred to the Cairns’ model to maintain focus on the interconnections and complexities of problems and solutions, interacting between each sphere. Having Cairns IEM model helped and if you end up in an IEM situation, it might help you too. 

Other parts of the analysis report involved a briefing paper and terms of reference. For the briefing paper challenge, I found Writing for Ministers and Cabinet quite useful. This document explains various things such as briefing papers, aides memoire, policy advice papers, communication and writing style, developing quality policy advice, analysis and advice on regulatory impacts, policy quality framework overview, cabinet papers, and presentation advice. One of the sound pieces of advice within this document relates to policy writing and presenting. The read aloud test helps to assess what's written, the writer can hear how it sounds. Doing this can prevent ungainly wording and strengthen your policy work or presentations. The document has lots of useful links throughout, so it's like a rabbit hole that connects to many others. 

The terms of reference (ToR) segment of the analytical report was not so exiting, however, it did provide insights into how things should be when working in an integrated fashion. The nice folks from Ministry for Primary Industries have published a ToR document relating to the Climate Change Forestry Reference Group, and this document provides a clear example of what could be included within a ToR. 

Lastly, if you're in the need for defining environmental and social bottom-lines or limits, the Environmental Limits - A Proposed Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand by the Cawthron Institute is a super duper resource. Not only is it an interesting read, it provides many useful frameworks, criteria and flowcharts. Alas the time for this blog has almost come to an end, with one more task, to present our group report assignment and eagerly receive feedback on this. Yay.  Please make comments and suggestions in the appropriate section below, I'm keen to hear your views about IEM. 

Reference

Cairns, J, J. 1991. The Need for Integrated Environmental Systems Management. In J. J. Cairns, & T. V. Crawford, Integrated Environmental Management (pp. 5-20). Chelsea, Michigan: Lewis Publishers.