INTARESE is a 5-year integrated project, comprising four main phases:

Phase 1 (months 0-18) focuses on development and testing of the assessment methods, and assembly of the information needed to apply these through a series of policy-related case studies.

Phase 2 (months 18-36) uses the methods to carry out integrated assessments for these policy issues, and to refine and revise the assessment methodology in the light of that experience.

Phase 3 (months 36-48) constructs and tests an operational assessment toolbox

Phase 4 (months 48-60) application of the toolbox to a set of high-level case studies.

The end of each of these phases represents a key milestone and review point.