Indicator Framework - Overview of indicator activities

Task description:
To develop a framework and criteria for indicator sets and indicator selection in the SENSOR project. The framework and criteria shall ensure a harmonised approach to indicator selection across the SENSOR project and that the indicator sets covers the three dimensions of sustainable development.

State of the art
The purpose of an indicator is to convey information in a simple, concise and easy-to-interpret manner. In relation to the SENSOR project indicators should provide key information for the decision-making about impacts of multifunctional land-use with the aim of securing sustainability. During the last 10-15 years many activities at international and European, national and regional level have focused on developing indicator sets and framework. These have not been developed for the purpose of impact assessment.

June
Activity 2: Indicator framework draft proposal
As a preparation for the discussion of a framework for indicators to be used within Sensor, two working papers have been produced.
The first working paper presents the draft framework proposal.
The second paper reviews the most common indicator frameworks and  the impact assessment procedure used in the EU Commission and discusses a framework for Sensor  on this background.

April
Activity 1: Overview and assessment of available relevant sustainable development and landscape indicator sets and frameworks.
Today 50-100 relevant indicator sets and frameworks for describing different aspects of sustainable development in relation landscape at European and national level exist. The partners already have good knowledge of and wide experience in developing and using these indicator sets. A structured review and assessment of the relevant information in the indicator sets will be made ending in an overview of relevant indicator activities.

The results will be reported in form of a Web-based information system with information on relevant indicator sets and frameworks used. In addition, the information system will contain overview tables of frameworks used; and indicator sets related to specific sectors, environmental issues (e.g. biodiversity) and aspects of sustainable development.

Indicator overview

International indicator activities
- European Commission
- European Environment Agency
- Eurostat
- OECD
- United Nations
- World Health Organisation
more organisations to be added

Sensor target sectors
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Nature Conservation
- Tourism
- Transport and Energy
- Urban land use