International discussion of environmental management is essential not only because of the international nature of the problems concerned but also to enable workers in one country to benefit from the experience gained in another. This symposium provided an international forum at which to discuss the role of local and regional governments in environmental management. The success of future policies will depend, to a large extent, on the readiness of such local bodies to initiate, co-operate, co-ordinate and implement in this field. The book includes key papers by leading experts from Europe and the USA. Papers are grouped into three main areas: environmental requirements from various participants in the process; policy and practice; new demands on administration and management --- organisational, financial and managerial consequences. Also included are five short papers and the reports of three discussion groups.