The object of the CCMS round table was to discuss environmental considerations as an integral part of the decision-making process, or more precisely to consider the mechanisms used by member countries to identify and measure beforehand the impacts of proposed developments so as to reduce undesirable environmental and social consequences. Environmental policy may consist of establishing standards aimed at reducing the hazard to a minimum or in fixing more flexible environmental quality goals entailing variable application of the most appropriate techniques as, for example, in the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada. The differences in approach and policy are due more to the character of each culture, to history and to institutions than to any basic variance regarding the measure required to protect man and his environment. Finally, the statements demonstrated how important and necessary it was to increase dissemination of information to ensure greater public participation both in collective decision-making and in acceptance of the development hazards. The system introduced in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States reflects the one of continuing democratic dialogue. France and Germany, for their part, are finalizing the legislative and administrative bases for environmental impact assessments with respect to major public projects - studies which provide for very broad public participation in decision-making. At the same time, other countries are continuing to seek ways and means of associating public opinion more closely with decisions affecting the future and survival of our societies.