Page 14 - Module_4_en

Module In order to use data and indicators for measuring performance, we need to identify reference points
4 related to desired results. These reference points can be very generic and qualitative or, preferably,

quantitative and time bound. The more specific the reference points, the easier it is to assess performance.

For instance, we can monitor progress towards a target set for nitrate concentration in drinking water.
Ideally, these targets or reference points are established through a science-policy dialogue, and become
an organic part of policies adopted by government. The identification of climate change targets in the
9-12 December, 2013 Kyoto Protocol underline both the necessity but also complexity and pitfalls of selecting targets and

using them to implement programs and monitor progress.

You can combine multiple indicators to form an index. Indices provide simple and high-level information
about the environmental or social system or some parts of it. Indices may also be tied to a policy or
society target. As shown in Figure 2, a gradient moves from data to indices resulting in increasingly

aggregated data. At higher levels of aggregation, it is easier to see broader patterns, while indicators can

Figure 2 Relationship between data, indicators and indices

The Information Triangle Information Requirements
for Various Users

Increasing synopsis Increasing need for Increasing need for
& integration aggregation & synopsis details & explanation

Composite Media
Indices Policy Makers
Simple Indices Interest Public
Industry Associations
Indicators Profiles Interest Groups
Resources Managers
Disaggregated Indicators
Regional/Community Planners
Integrated Data bases Educators
Analysis & Reseachers
Disaggregated Data + Statistics Scientists

Total Quantity of Infromation Quantity of Infromation

Source: Australia Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories 1994

12 Monitoring, Data and Indicators