This is an analysis and discussion of a series of topics related to environmental conservation, land-use planning, management and impact prevention as seen from the perspective of the earth sciences, but with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach. The contributions give an overview of existing problems and trends, and point out certain lines along which work and/or actions will be particularly needed in the near future. In short, they intend to show where we stand now with regard to those problems and in what direction we should move. Of particular use will be the brief presentation of a variety of important geo-environmental topics, the present state of the art and the suggestions for methodological approaches to solve different problems, plus the guidelines for action presented throughout the book.
