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Indicators
What are indicators
What are the indicators for the
State of the Coasts
Indicators are quantitative/qualitative statements or
measured/observed parameters that can be used to
describe existing situations and to measure changes or
trends over time (Duda, 2002). Indicators are developed
as tools to make monitoring and evaluation processes
operational. To become powerful ICM management
tools, indicators must demonstrate the measure of
effectiveness of a project, program or policy. They
become effective tools when they are used to reflect
changes in the state of coastal and marine environments,
trends in socioeconomic pressures and conditions
in coastal areas, and corresponding links among
anthropogenic activities and ecological health. Finally,
when used to evaluate ICM program performance,
indicators offer feedback on action plans and provide
parameters for subsequent actions that may prove useful
in justifying further investments in ICM (Chua, 2006).
Indicators for the State of the Coasts were determined
based on PEMSEA’s Framework for Sustainable
Development of Coastal Areas thru ICM (Annex 2)
to indicate current status, management responses,
targets and impacts of management actions in each of
the governance elements (policy, strategies and plans;
institutional arrangements; legislation; information and
public awareness; capacity development; and financing
mechanisms) and the five sustainable development
aspects (natural and man-made hazard prevention
and management; habitat protection, restoration and
management; water use and supply management;
food security and livelihood management; and pollution
reduction and waste management). The indicators
were chosen based on the following criteria: a) simple
and meaningful; b) easy applicability in the region;
and c) complementary to the indicators identified in
relevant international instruments, including the World
Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), Agenda
21, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the
Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East
Asia (SDS-SEA), and the Bali Plan of Action.
State of the Coasts of Batangas Province
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