SOC Indicators

Description 
This indicator measures the percentage of coastline that has undergone environmental risk assessment, coastal profiling or similar science-based evaluation in order to identify priority issues/threats to sustainable development of coastal and marine resources.

Rationale 
Effective coastal management relies on planning that takes into account strategic and scientifi c assessment of the area, including social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and policy issues, and the identifi cation of priority concerns for coastal managers and policymakers. This strategic assessment should be the basis for developing strategies and action plans for coastal management.

Data Requirements 
-Total length of coastline 
-Coastal environmental profile/environmental risk assessment/other similar assessments 
-Length of coastline covered by environmental assessment

Description
This indicator measures the scope, coverage and objectives of coastal management, as delineated in coastal strategies and action plans. The indicator further looks into the specific roles and responsibilities for different stakeholders, proposed interventions to address existing or potential threats to sustainable development, including economic, biophysical and social aspects with specifi ed targets and timeframes. Finally, the indicator determines the government’s commitment to implement the coastal strategy or action plan through its adoption at the provincial/city/municipal level.

Rationale
A coastal strategy is a critical component of ICM, providing a framework for integrated planning and management. It not only serves as a platform for policy reform that promotes good governance, but facilitates interagency consultation, multisector cooperation and stakeholder participation. A coastal strategy identifi es confl icts arising from multiple use of limited marine and coastal resources, establishes approaches and actions for protecting or enhancing environmental quality and biodiversity, while facilitating environment-friendly economic development and environmental investment opportunities. The strategy will not be useful if it is not adopted and translated into on-the-ground actions. Action plans defi ne: a) the steps that are required in order to execute the strategies; b) the milestones or indicators that can be used to measure progress and changes; c) the timeframe for the actions; d) the roles of the various stakeholders; and e) the measures for monitoring the implementation of the strategy.

Data Requirements
-Coastal strategy and action plans
-Management boundary (geographic) of the Plan
-Scope of management plans
-Multisectoral participation mechanisms
-Local government commitments to implementation
-Monitoring and evaluation program

Description
This indicator reviews the local government units that have integrated coastal management issues and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources into their multi-year development plans.

Rationale
To determine an understanding of their commitment to coastal management, the development plans of local government units can be evaluated to ascertain whether the sustainable use of coasts and near coastal areas and the associated resources have been recognized for their value and the role they play in the development process. The integration of ICM into the development plans of local government units refl ects a local commitment to ensure the protection and development of coastal and marine areas in the broader context of the coastal development strategy/SEMP, through a more integrated economic, social and environmental policy and planning approach.

Data Requirements
-Local development plans

Description
This indicator considers the presence of a functional interagency and multisectoral coordinating mechanism that oversees the development and implementation of the ICM program. The indicator further looks into the institutionalization of a local office with adequate administrative resources — staff, budget and equipment — to oversee, guide and coordinate the implementation of coastal strategies and action plans.

Rationale
A fully functional coordinating body consisting of the government agencies, nongovernment entities, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders, as appropriate, is a key component of ICM programs. The purpose of the coordinating mechanism is to harmonize any overlapping responsibilities of line agencies and stakeholder interests, as well as to integrate policy and management interventions. Moreover, the availability and allocation of adequate administrative resources for ICM is an expression of the capacity of the ICM management team to administer, coordinate and implement activities over time. In the implementation of ICM, there is a need for a local office to serve as a clearing house, central coordinating agency and focal point for multisectoral activities.

Data Requirements
-Coordinating mechanism established and legal basis
-Organizational structure of the coordinating mechanism
-Coordinating offi ce established and legal basis
-Organizational structure of the coordinating office
-Staff and budget allocation of the coordinating office

Description
This indicator reports the pertinent sectors (government, nongovernment, private, civil society, academe) that are represented in the coordinating mechanism for the ICM program and are part of an integrated decision-making process. It further reflects the commitment of government agencies and other stakeholders to implement, comply with and enforce ICM plans and activities. It also suggests the reality of the execution and performance of ICM initiatives, as well as the degree of acceptance on the part of users subject to the plan.

Rationale
Stakeholder participation is the key to coastal management. The ICM coordinating mechanism provides stakeholders (government and nongovernment) with access to decision-making processes and activities. It provides concerned parties with the satisfaction that their views and concerns are taken into account in the planning and decision-making process. The concerned sectors include those that exploit and use the natural resources for profit, communities that traditionally use natural resources for their food and livelihood, and the public sectors (local and central) that govern and manage the resources. Likewise, in order to achieve the targets of sustainable use and development of the oceans and coasts, the commitment of national agencies, local governments and concerned nongovernment stakeholders is essential. Thus, their respective programs, projects and activities should be aligned with the action plans, programs and policies identified in the coastal management plans.

Data Requirements
-Representation of stakeholders in the coordinating mechanism
-Staff and budget allocation of agencies in the coordinating mechanism

Description
This indicator describes the existence and adequacy of legislation enabling the implementation of ICM interventions.

Rationale
The existence, adequacy and effectiveness of legislation are important in order to determine if the goals and objectives of coastal management are supported by a clear and enforceable legal basis. Legislation defi nes what is required, permitted and prohibited in the coastal and marine area. Awareness and understanding of coastal management legislation promotes compliance and therefore achievement of coastal management goals and objectives.

Data Requirements
Legislation/local ordinances regarding the ICM institutional mechanism and management activities, including:
1. Coastal use zoning;
2. Fisheries, mining and other extraction activities;
3. Pollution-related activities;
4. Building structures in the coastall environment. including aquaculture structures; and
5. Access to rules regulations.

Description
This indicator reports the various types and frequency of inspections conducted in the area to determine compliance with coastal policies and legislation. It further looks into the effectiveness of enforcement of legislation.

Rationale
The available capacity within government to enforce laws and ensure compliance with coastal policy and regulations is paramount to successful implementation of ICM programs. The effective management of illegal and uncontrolled activities taking place along the coast and in coastal waters is an important step in addressing and minimizing unsustainable practices.

Data Requirements
-Environmental compliance monitoring/inspection programs (e.g., market inspections for fi shery violations; aquaculture; manufacturing, coastal polluting and coastal tourism establishments, ports and water transportation)
-Frequency of environmental compliance monitoring/ inspection including coastal patrols

Description
This indicator reports the total number of cases filed and resolved, and the total value of fi nes issued for noncompliance of relevant coastal legislations.

Rationale
Effective enforcement of environmental legislation taking place in the marine and coastal areas can be refl ected by the number of cases filed, resolved and fines collected resulting thereof. The strict enforcement of relevant legislation is an important step in addressing and minimizing unsustainable practices in the coastal areas.

Data Requirements
-Total number of reported complaints
-Total number of violations where violators were arrested
-Total number of violations penalized
-Total value of fi nes collected for non-compliance with relevant legislations

Description
This indicator reports on communication plans, staff and budget allocations, and public awareness programs initiated by various sectors, and the different communication channels used to promote public awareness.

Rationale
The development and implementation of a well-conceived communication plan promotes increased awareness and education of the general public regarding the value and benefi ts of coastal and marine resources, the issues affecting the environment, and the need for coastal management to protect and conserve these resources.

Data Requirements
-Communication plan
-Budget and staff allocation for implementation of communication plan
-Local government’s facilities for public access to information
-Local awareness programs
-Frequency of community participation activities
-Number of participants in community participation activities

Description
This indicator reports the number of nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholder organizations who are contributors to sustainable development of the coastal and marine areas.

Rationale
The active involvement of stakeholders refl ects their understanding on the value of implementing coastal management and mobilizing activities related to it.

Data Requirements
-Nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholder organizations with environment-related programs and activities
-Types of environment-related programs and activities
-Number of members

Description
This indicator reports access to facilities and training programs, staff and budget allocation, and technical resources available for coastal management. It also measures the extent to which local personnel can impart their knowledge and experiences in coastal management as well as the presence of universities, research institutions and local experts in the area.

Rationale
Building local capacity to plan and manage their own resources is essential in ICM programs. Similarly, access to facilities and training programs, and budget allocation are essential in building local capacity. Local capacity is also enhanced by the availability of institutions such as universities, research institutions and local experts, which can be tapped in implementing coastal management activities, and training and education programs. Local personnel with the appropriate skills must be able to impart their knowledge and experiences in coastal management to other coastal and natural resource managers.

Data Requirements
-Access to facilities and training programs
-Staff and budget allocation for capacity development
-List of experts
-Universities and research institutions in the area with related courses/research activities
-Local capacity to conduct trainings

Description
This indicator measures local capacity in implementing coastal management in terms of skilled human resources.

Rationale
The knowledge and skills of local personnel are essential for effective implementation of coastal management.

Data Requirements
-Number of people trained in ICM
-Number of skilled personnel working in ICM programs
-Number of graduates in ICM-related courses
-Number of required ICM trained people

Description
This indicator reports the financial requirements for coastal management and the government allocation including investments for environmental infrastructure. It also looks into the financial sources for coastal management, such as loans, and grants from financing institutions and donors

Rationale
The activities for coastal management have specific budgetary requirements and thus need fi nancial allocation for their implementation.

Data Requirements
-Total budget identified for coastal management
-Total budget allocated by LGU
-Total expenditure for coastal management
-Grants and loans from external sources
-Investments in environmental infrastructure

Description
This indicator takes account of the institutionalization of measures and means to support environmental conservation and environmental infrastructure improvements. Economic and market-based instruments, such as public-private partnerships, environmental user fees, user pay schemes, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are among the tools being considered. The indicator also considers policies and programs put in place to enhance the climate for public and private sector fi nancing of coastal management activities and for constructing and operating environmental infrastructure.

Rationale
Financial support for coastal management implementation may come from different sources. The sustainability of ICM programs is dependent on how revenue sources are developed and managed. Transparency in all fi nancial transactions is necessary to avoid suspicion from stakeholders. Apart from regular allocation from the government, various fi nancing options must be explored to sustain financial inputs for coastal management activities and environmental infrastructure and service.

Data Requirements
-Corporate social responsibility
-Private sector financing (e.g., PPP)
-Environment user fees
-Percentage of environmental user fees allocated to environment projects
-Private sector investment for environmental infrastructure
-Standard procurement process in place (e.g., defi ned ceilings for bidding, canvassing, and shopping)
-Provincial/city/municipality authorized to engage in public-private partnership

Description
This indicator measures the availability of disaster preparedness and management plans, capable people, equipment, budget and preparations to anticipate, reduce, respond to, and recover from various hazards/disasters.

Rationale
Local communities and disaster management personnel must be prepared to respond to various hazards, if the number of deaths and property losses due to natural and man-made hazards are to be minimized. Moreover, proper preparation and mitigation measures can reduce the frequency of manmade hazards and severity of disasters.

Data Requirements
-Natural/man-made disaster/environmental emergency response plans
-Scope of natural/man-made disaster/environmental emergency response plan (e.g., fl oods, earthquakes, oil spill, etc.)
-Identification of mitigation strategies
-Institutional mechanism for the implementation of the emergency response plan
-Number of trained and non-trained personnel allocated
-Early warning system in place
-Availability of adequate equipment
-Budget allocation for natural/man-made disasters

Description
This indicator measures the degree to which populations are at risk of exposure to natural and man-made hazards, i.e., populations living within various multihazard zones.

Rationale
The greater the degree of potential exposure to natural and man-made hazards, the more that government and local communities should be prepared and must put in place mitigation measures for disasters. Identification of the levels of threat from various hazards can also help focus preparations on the most relevant types of threat.

Data Requirements
-Multihazard maps (landslides, storms, floods, etc.)
-Number of people located in hazard-prone areas
-Number of people who have relocated or moved away from hazard-prone areas

Description
This indicator measures the population affected, deaths and economic losses due to each type of disaster (including the severity of the cause of disaster). It is a measure that integrates: (a) the level and location of hazards vis-à-vis populations; and (b) the level of preparedness and response mechanisms that result in the frequency and severity of actual disasters.

Rationale
Disasters set back development and especially impacts those least developed. The number of deaths, people and property affected are what hazard prevention and management ultimately aims to reduce.

Data Requirements
-Frequency of disaster incidents by type
-Number of people severely affected by natural/manmade disaster incidents
-Number of people that have died due to natural/manmade disaster incidents
-Total amount of economic losses due to natural/manmade disaster incidents

Description
This indicator measures the availability of plans, people, and budget to manage coastal habitats and heritage.

Rationale
Coastal habitats serve as critical life-support systems for a multitude of aquatic living resources. The quality of these habitats must be maintained and improved to sustain their benefits. Local governments need to identify specific strategies and action plans for habitats and the means to implement these action plans indicate the degree to which habitats will be effectively managed.

Data Requirements
-Availability of habitat management plan
-Staff and budget allocation for habitat management

Description
This indicator measures the area of various natural habitats (coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, beaches, forests, urban green areas).

Rationale
Natural habitats and associated species help sustain products and services that support and benefit human activities. The extent and condition of various habitats also indicate the populations of associated species.

Data Requirements
-Total area (km2 ) of coastal habitats — coral reef, seagrass, mangrove, natural beach, forest (excluding mangroves), and urban “green” area

Description
This indicator measures the area of coastal habitats and heritage effectively protected from degradation, as well as the extent of rehabilitation.

Rationale
The protection of coastal habitats and heritage reflects the commitment of local governments to prevent habitat loss and degradation. The protection of these habitats helps sustain the environmental, social and economic benefits derived from them.

Data Requirements
-Number and area of terrestrial, marine and coastal heritage areas protected by law
-Management effectiveness rating of terrestrial, marine and coastal heritage protected areas
-Natural areas rehabilitated (km2 )

Description
This indicator measures the area of coastal habitat that has been converted for other uses (e.g., mangrove to fishpond). This also includes the extent of reclamation in the coastal areas.

Rationale
The costs (limited access for some sectors, stability and safety of those using structures built on reclaimed land, destruction of mangrove nursery grounds of marine life, loss of fisheries fry gathering grounds, erosion, etc.), benefits (ports that would benefit society, etc.) and the sectors that would be affected should be considered before reclamation or land conversion is authorized.

Data Requirements
-Total length of coastline and area reclaimed
-Total coastal area converted to other uses (e.g., mangrove to fishpond)

Description
This indicator measures the demand of the population for freshwater and accounts the intensity of freshwater management efforts through availability of water management and conservation plans, strategies adopted, and staff and budget allocated.

Rationale
Freshwater is essential for life and effective management for its sustainable use is of utmost importance for a healthy community

Data Requirements
-Availability of water management and conservation plan
-Mitigation and adaptation strategies identified
-Water use per capita
-Staff and budget for water management

Description
This indicator estimates the population with access to an improved water source, the amount delivered and the price paid by households for water supply

Rationale
Freshwater resources, whether scarce or abundant, may not necessarily be accessible or equitably accessible. Difficulty of access including high prices disproportionately burdens those with less resources, especially more vulnerable individuals and households within communities.

Data Requirements
-Population using improved water sources
-Volume produced from piped water sources
-Water pricing per cubic meter

Description
This indicator measures the number of reported cases and number of deaths due to diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.

Rationale
While other factors (such as food handling practices, etc.) may affect these figures, the prevalence of diarrhea and waterborne diseases also indicate the level of sanitation services and the cleanliness of freshwater supplies and of bodies of water for recreation.

Data Requirements
-Number of incidences of illness/infections and deaths due to waterborne diseases (e.g., diarrhea; typhoid fever; cholera; amoebiasis; schistosomiasis; giardiasis; etc.)

Description
This indicator estimates the extent of fisheries management efforts through availability of fisheries management plans, staff and budget allocated.

Rationale
Fish is a direct product of the coastal zone, providing both food and livelihood to coastal dwellers, and to consumers far from the coast. Fisheries management is a challenging but necessary aspect of managing marine and coastal resources in order to ensure the sustainability of this valuable natural asset. A management strategy, supported by adequate resources and equipment, are markers of local government towards managing this resource.

Data Requirements
-Fisheries Management Plan
-Staff and budget allocation for fishery management

Description
This indicator measures the trend in fisheries production and tries to estimate whether fisheries stocks are sustainable (using changes in catch composition and/or the frequencies of various sizes per species).

Rationale
The increasing fish catch would mean either greater dependence of the population to fisheries resources or improved condition of resources.

Data Requirements
-Municipal (small scale), commercial (large scale) and aquaculture fishery production
-Size and composition of fish catch

Description
This indicator measures the proportion of the population with access to sufficient daily dietary requirements.

Rationale
Nutrition status is an indicator that integrates availability and equitability of access to food and livelihood. While other factors (such as agriculture and trade) may affect these figures, nutrition status is also affected by the availability of seafood.

Data Requirements
-Number of undernourished males (all ages)
-Number of undernourished females (all ages)
-Number of undernourished males (less than 5 years old)
-Number of undernourished females (less than 5 years old

Description
This indicator estimates the degree of poverty, employment and the potential for employment.

Rationale
The degree of poverty refl ects an area’s degree of social development. Productive employment is a foundational element needed to provide households with goods and services in their struggle against poverty, while education is a key to productive employment.

Data Requirements
-Poverty threshold
-Poverty incidence
-Income per capita (male/female)
-Employment rate
-Education; proportion of population (male/female; primary/secondary/tertiary)

Description
This indicator measures the availability of programs, people, and budget to help enhance coastal livelihoods. It also looks into the sectors benefited and the impacts of these livelihood programs.

Rationale
Livelihood programs help optimize productivity of coastal areas and help households maximize their potential for income.

Data Requirements
-Existing livelihood programs
-Staff and budget allocation for livelihood programs
-Accessibility and budgets
-Sectors covered
-Impacts of livelihood programs

Description
This indicator accounts the presence of specific policies, plans and programs for pollution reduction and waste management. It further looks into the commitment of local government to implement the plans through allocation of human and financial resources.

Rationale
Specific strategies and action plans are essential to address issues on pollution and waste management. These action plans must be implemented through the commitment of facilities and equipment, as well as financial and human resources.

Data Requirements
-Pollution management plans and their scope (water, air, land)
-Monitoring programs
-Budget for pollution and waste management
-Staff allocation for pollution and waste management
-Adequacy of equipment/facilities

Description
This indicator measures the level to which coastal waters and river waters that discharge into the coastal area are within the water quality standards prescribed for the specific water use (e.g., drinking, swimming, boating, fishing, aquaculture, etc.).

Rationale
Criteria and standards for water quality are based on scientific information related to water use and potential risks to human health (e.g., transmit waterborne diseases), productivity (e.g., decrease fisheries productivity) and/or the ecosystem health (e.g., destruction and degradation of habitats). Different parameters provide indications of ecosystem health and potential threats to water use.

Data Requirements
Priority parameters (temporal/spatial)
-Water transparency (secchi depth/total suspended solids) (marine/river/beach)
-Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (marine/river/ beach)
-Total/fecal coliform counts (marine/river/beach)

Secondary parameters (temporal/spatial)
-Chlorophyll concentrations (marine/river/beach)
-Nutrient (nitrates, phosphates) concentrations (marine/ river/beach)
-Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentrations (marine/river/beach)
-Groundwater quality (nitrates and heavy metals)

Description
This indicator reports on the quality of air in terms of total suspended particulates, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic carbon.

Rationale
Air pollution is harmful to human health and the quality of the environment. Air quality can be measured through different parameters which can serve as basis for management interventions.

Data Requirements
-Total suspended particulates (TSP)
-Concentration of other air pollutants (particulate matter, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic carbon)

Description
This indicator reports the proportion of the population with access to sanitation and sewerage systems.

Rationale
The lack of sanitation facilities can affect human well-being and have negative impacts on the quality of the environment especially when disposed untreated to the coastal and marine environment. Moreover, data on access to sanitation also monitors progress in meeting one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets for environmental sustainability.

Data Requirements
-Population with access to improved sanitation
-Households connected to septic tanks
-Volume of septage collected/treated
-Population served by public sewerage system (collection)
-Location of sewage treatment plants and discharge pipes
-Level of treatment and volume of sewage treated
-Volume of domestic wastewater generated, treated, recycled or reused

Description
This indicator measures the tonnage of solid waste generated, the proportion being recycled or reused, and volume received in dumpsites or sanitary landfi lls.

Rationale
Uncontrolled waste handling and disposal impact negatively on human and ecological health as well as the aesthetic and recreational values of coastal areas.

Data Requirements
-Volume of solid waste generated
-Volume of solid waste received in landfi lls/dumpsites
-Volume of solid waste received at recycling facilities

Description
This indicator measures the quantity of agricultural, industrial and hazardous wastes being generated and properly managed within the local government’s jurisdiction.

Rationale
Agricultural, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors generate income and employment but they also generate wastes that may affect human health and livelihoods in communities. Hazardous and toxic wastes (e.g., oily waste, pesticide residues; cleaning compounds; hospital wastes; etc.) are byproducts of various goods, services, processes and systems that customers/citizens demand. The proper management of these wastes is a major challenge to local governments and to sustainable development.

Data Requirements
-Volume of industrial and agricultural wastes generated, handled, treated and disposed
-Volume of hazardous and toxic waste generated, handled, treated and disposed
-Total number of violations penalized
-Total value of fi nes collected for non-compliance with relevant legislations