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pinpoint specific trends and performance. As an analogy, it is easier for us to see patterns when looking Module
at the whole forest than when looking at a single tree. In real life indicators and indices are often used
side by side and can form an integrated information system. 4

Definitions: Environmental monitoring, data, indicators, indices
BOX 1
and information systems
Abu Dhabi, UAE

? Monitoring: Activity involving repeated observation, according to a predetermined
schedule, of one or more elements of the environment to detect their characteristics
(status and trends) (UNEP 2002).
? Data: Consists of facts, numerical observations and statistics that describe some aspect
of the environment and society, such as water quality and demographics (Abdel-Kader
1997). A basic component of indicator data needs to be processed so that it can be used
to interpret changes in the state of the environment, the economy or the social aspects
of society (Segnestam 2002).

? Indicator: Observed value representative of a phenomenon to study. Indicators point to,
provide information about, and describe the state of the environment with significance
extending beyond that directly associated with the observation itself. In general, indicators
quantify information by aggregating and synthesizing different and multiple data, thus
simplifying information that can help reveal complex phenomena (EEA 2006).

? Indices: Combination of two or more indicators or several data. Indices are commonly
used in national and regional assessments to show higher levels of aggregation (Segnestam
2002).
? Information systems: Any coordinated assemblage of persons, devices and institutions
used for communicating or exchanging knowledge or data, such as by simple verbal
communication, or by completely computerized methods of storing, searching and
retrieving information (GMET-MHD 2006?).

2.1 Importance of process

While data, indicators and indices have value in and of themselves, this value can be significantly
strengthened by the process you use to develop them. A participatory approach can be used when
developing an IEA in general, and its data and indicator components in particular. Involving experts
and stakeholders in identifying issues, and developing and interpreting data or indicators not only

IEA Training Manual Workshop for the National Reporting Toolkit (NRT) 13