CSIN Learning Event #20: Developing Best Practices for

Setting Indicator Targets

Presentation by:Fraser Basin Council

July 27, 2006

Goals:

• To support CSIN as a network of practitioners

• To learn lessons from practitioners about setting indicator targets

• To apply the lessons learned within the FBC Sustainability Indicators Program

• To support a longer-term CSIN initiative to develop and document best practices (such as sustainability targets)

Some Initial Thoughts on Best Practices:

• Use both qualitative and quantitative targets • Use modeling to understand the interactions of

different targets and to demonstrate scenarios. • Find consensus on a desired outcome, then set

targets based on science, followed by consultation with the public

• Develop relative targets (as signposts pointing towards sustainability) rather than absolute targets.

• Use reference sites when working with small, secluded systems and less so when working with larger ecosystems.

(from previous CSIN Learning Event)

FBC Sustainability Indicators

• Broad scope of indicators (environmental, social, economic)

• Diverse audiences (government, nongovernment, public, and others)

• Multiple goals for measuring and reporting:• To increase public awareness and understanding

about sustainability• To identify critical issues and responses to

improve progress• To inform and influence decisions and actions to

advance sustainability• To advance sustainability

Why Set Targets?

• To help understand and articulate where we want to be (desired state; desired outcomes)

• To add value and clarity to indicators by providing context and by describing where we are in relation to where we want to be:

• To help make indicator data and trends more meaningful and understandable

• To help measure progress (or lack of progress)

• To help articulate specific critical thresholds (for example, health risks)

Some Common Approaches to Setting Targets?

• Scientific / technical basis (e.g., toxic levels for specific pollutants - known health risks if pm10 > 25 micrograms / cubic metre)

• Policy basis (e.g., diversion of 50% of waste from landfills, 10% increase in affordable housing units)

• Comparative basis (e.g., compare trends for different jurisdictions, or compare trends over time for a single jurisdictions - I.e., getting better or worse over time)

• Consultative basis (e.g. through inter-jurisdictional, multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral dialogue)

• Other approaches?

FBC Indicators and Targets

• Interest in developing targets for FBC indicators

• Targets currently exist for:

•Air Quality (Canada-Wide Standards)

•Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Kyoto Protocol)

•Solid Waste (50% diversion from landfill)

•Water Quality (BC Water Quality Objectives)

• FBC to initiate dialogue to explore opportunities and

challenges for setting new targets

Some Issues for Consideration

• Prescriptive versus consensus-based targets?

• Diversity of values and perspectives

• Who sets the targets (society, organizations,

impartial 3rd parties, researchers)?

• Set targets for outputs or outcomes?

• Realistic targets versus pushing the envelope?

• Fear of failure

Questions for Discussion:

1) What is your favourite target? 2) What emerging or recently developed

targets are you aware of that others should know about?

3) If you were needing advice about setting targets, what is the number one question (or two) that you would have?

4) If you were giving advice to someone about setting targets, what is the number one thing (or two) you would tell them?

Fraser Basin Council1st Floor - 470 Granville StreetVancouver, BC V6C 1V5

http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca

Steve Litke, Program ManagerTel. (604) 488-5358Fax. (604) 488-5351Email: slitke@fraserbasin.bc.ca