Development of Methods for Landscapeplanning and Environmental Assessment
Landscape planning combines the aspects of the protection of the landscape and natural landscape elements with an adequate design and sustainable development of the region. A broad public acceptance for this field of action can be assumed. The roots of landscape planning in Germany go back until the 19th century. Methodical transfers were made of a number of disciplines and in various sectors of society. Dr. Karsten Runge published a methodical synopsis of landscape planning at Springer in 1998: „Entwicklungstendenzen der Landschaftsplanung – Vom frühen Naturschutz bis zur ökologisch nachhaltigen Flächennutzung” (“Developmental tendencies of landscape planning -- from the early nature conservation up to ecologically sustainable land use"). Methodical quality standards of planning continue to be focus of the work of OECOS GmbH. In respect to safeguarding the prognostic statement quality or putting planning into action e.g. efficiency controls and monitoring approaches, which are carried out on request by OECOS GmbH, become more important.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) serves to describe and assess the effects of certain projects on the environment. EIA is an instrument for the preparation of rational decisions, however without fixing them. An environmental impact study is the scientific core of the EIA. After the development of methods in the fields of survey and assessment of spatial environmental consequences, that is often sector oriented in Germany, Dr. Karsten Runge has presented a synopsis to the method development of the EIA study with an explicit main emphasis on the international developments 1998: “Die Umweltverträglichkeitsuntersuchung – Internationale Entwicklungen und Planungspraxis " (The Environmental impact study -- international developments and planning practice "). Quality standards environmental impact studies are further on a focus of the work of OECOS GmbH. Among others the actual standards of the Federal Office of Ocean Shipping and Hydrography (BSH) for impact studies of offshore turbines are co-developed by Dr. Karsten Runge. Quality control of environmental impact studies is carried out by OECOS GmbH on request at any time.