Using multicriteria methods in environmental planning and management

In environmental planning and decision processes several alternatives are a nalyzed in terms of multiple noncommensurate criteria, and many different s takeholders with conflicting preferences are involved. Based on our experie nce in real-life applications, we discuss how multicriteria decision aid (M CDA) methods can be used successfully in such processes. MCDA methods suppo rt these processes by providing a framework for collecting, storing, and pr ocessing ali relevant information, thus making the decision process traceab le and transparent. It is therefore possible to understand and explain why, under several conflicting preferences, a particular decision was made. The MCDA framework also makes the requirements for new information explicit, t hus supporting the allocation of resources for the process.