CIVIC SCIENCE

Civic science is built an the premise that many development issues are so complex that they require careful interdisciplinary assessment of current conditions, future trends, and possible solutions, and that st akeholders an well placed to advise on actions which incorporate commu nity preferences and goals. The author outlines how civic science prin ciples work in three contexts: Project ARIDAS (a plan for sustainable development in the semiarid regions of Brazil), water and development planning in the Rio Grande/Rio Brave Basin in Texas and Mexico, and en vironmental risk assessment for the Houston (Texas) area.