Design of a general methodology for the evaluation and categorization of an environmental program with special reference to Costa Rica.

Abstract

This research essentially consists of two parts. In the first part, methodological studies were prepared as the basis for the development of the general methodology by which each government or institution can adapt and implement the procedure. The methodology was established by using different techniques according to their contribution to the evaluation process, such as: Systemic Approach, Delphi, and Saaty Methods. The methodology consists of two main parts: (1) Evaluation of the environmental aspects by using different techniques. (2) Categorization of the environmental aspects by applying the methodology to the Costa Rican Environmental affairs using questionnaire answers supplied by experts both inside and outside of the country.

The second part of the research includes Appendixes in which is presented general information concerning institutions related to environmental affairs; description of the methods used; results of the current status evaluation and its scale; the final scale of categorization; and the questionnaires and a list of experts.

The Government of Costa Rica has stated the need for a formal procedure for the evaluation and categorization of an environmental program. The goal of the present investigation was to develop the general methodology that allowed the creation of this procedure.

The methodology developed in this research will have a beneficial impact on environmental concerns in Costa Rica. As a result of this research, a Commission Office of Environmental Affairs, providing links between consumers, engineers, scientists, and the Government, is recommended. Also there is significant potential use of this methodology in developed countries for a better balancing of the budgets of major research programs such as cancer, heart, and other research areas.