3. Compiling indicators for decision-making
3.1 Compiling summary indicators
The outputs of an ocean accounting pilot study will most likely include several detailed tables on ecosystem extent, condition, and services with respect to the issue and study area being addressed. However, providing policy-relevant summary indicators will ensure that the results of the study are easy to communicate. Part of this communication should also include an assessment of data quality and availability. The detailed tables and databases used to produce the Ocean Accounts will serve to “drill down” into the locations and specific measures underlying the summary indicators. This would contribute to the compilation of tables in Combined Presentation and Ocean Wealth Accounts, such as Tables 19, 20, and 21.
The summary indicators should address the topic of the study and put the study in context. For example, the summary indicators for a study on the value of coastal protection services provided by mangroves could include:
- Total area of mangroves (extent)
- Proportion of mangrove area in good condition (condition)
- Estimated value of coastal protection services (services)
Providing these indicators in a clear and concise manner will help ensure that the findings of the study are understood by policymakers and other stakeholders.
Table 28. Examples of summary indicators for different topics
| Topic | Policy concern | Example indicators |
|---|---|---|
| The value of the ocean economy | Sustainability of ocean economy, equitable distribution of benefits, including sustainability of food supply (fish, aquatic plants) | Annual production value by resource type (market vs non-market) and ecosystem type; Resource values at risk (cost to economy of no action on rehabilitation or protection of key ecosystems) |
| Non-market ocean services | Physical measures of regulating and maintenance services (coastal protection, flood mitigation, carbon sequestration, water purification, etc.) | Total area of ecosystems providing services; Value of services provided per unit area |
| Ecosystems extent and/or designated use | Area of ecosystem types and uses of concern; Change in area (e.g., decline in mangrove; increase in MPA) | Total area of each ecosystem type; Proportion of each ecosystem type under designated use |
| Land-based sources of marine pollution | Reducing habitat degradation and biodiversity loss | Total amount of pollutants entering the ocean; Sources of pollutants (by sector) |
| Resource requirements of coastal tourism | Sustainability of tourism economy: providing sufficient resources and minimizing impacts on ecosystems (e.g., closures) | Number of tourists; Resource use per tourist; Impact of tourism on ecosystem condition |