Download or read book Using Indicators for Improving the Performance of Integrated Coastal Management Efforts written by and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regarding the more than 700 efforts and significant investments in integrated coastal management (ICM) initiated in over 140 countries since the 1960s, typically only limited anecdotal information exists on their environmental, socioeconomic, and institutional impacts. To date, only a few examples exist of development and application of indicators to support ICM, and to facilitate accountability and adaptive management. To fill this gap, this dissertation analyzes the use of indicators for ICM assessment in two cases: The United States and the European Union. In the United States, indicators have been developed at the request of Congress to improve the accountability of the Coastal Zone Management Program, while in the EU indicators have been developed as information tools to assist with the implementation of a Council and Parliament recommendation on ICM. The dissertation reviews environmental, socioeconomic, and governance performance indicators used for ICM. Notwithstanding socioeconomic and political differences, analysis of the two case studies reveals a number of commonalities in the approach taken and the indicators utilized. A framework tailored to the different stages and elements of the ICM policy cycle helps track the progress and institutionalization of ICM at different spatial scales. A set of indicators for the state of the coast, driving forces, and pressures helps to place ICM efforts in context, while more specific indicators on outcomes and impacts can guide the measurement of ICM results. Crucial in the determination of results is the availability of baseline information and time series on the state of the coast and the assessment of the contribution of ICM initiatives to change human behaviors and their impact on coastal conditions. In terms of further research, this dissertation underscores the need to articulate ICM goals and objectives to monitor and evaluate progress and performance, review program logic and assumptions, and adapt to changing conditions and progressive achievements. Despite preliminary experimentation, further efforts are required to refine the use of indicators to help isolate the effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems, balancing development and economic priorities with long-term environmental sustainability.