ICZM Decision Support System

The widespread incorporation of Ecosystem-based management (EBM) into Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) processes is currently limited by (i) the intense and continuous effort needed by decision makers and professional teams involved to coordinate management actions across a wide array of stakeholders and application sectors, (ii) the intensive work to adjust the available guidelines to the specificities of the relevant ecological and socio-economic systems, as well as in operationalising them for their effective application in area of interest, and (iii) the significant amount of data needed.

Aim of the tool

The aim of this Tool is to develop Decision-Support Systems (DSS) to support the effective implementation of Ecosystem-Based ICZM (EB-ICZM) through a participatory and evidence-based approach.

Main objectives

The specific objective of this Tool is to support EB-ICZM multi-stakeholders’ analytical processes, helping to identify and quantitatively assess the relationships between ecosystem components, functions and services, as well as their interactions with relevant socio-economic dynamics.

Technological infrastructure

A computer with stable internet connection is necessary to run the dedicated software. The use of remote team-working-channels and webinar tools (Microsoft Teams) is possible, in case training is to be performed remotely.

Training

In Phase 1, a preliminary training needs assessment for the functioning of the EBM Local Units should be carried out. Training is also necessary to introduce the methodological and software tools that will be used to apply the DSS.

Investment

EB-ICZM applications require a significant investment in data collection, management and their retrieval in databases. The Ecosystem Context Analysis method reduces this investment to the minimum possible for a successful application, because the assessment of data needs and relevant gap analysis are systematically executed against the specific set of objective indicators identified through the Ecosystem Context Analysis.

Other costs include the organisation of dedicated workshops with identified stakeholders to perform multiple steps for implementing the DSS.

Concept

The ICZM-DSS is built around the PROGES-ISP (Integrated Spatial Analysis) package, which includes two categories of instruments: an operational protocol for the execution of multidisciplinary ecosystem-based environmental assessments, and a software application linked to spatial and tabular databases for handling relevant ecological data and for preparing synoptic data-aware reports. The operational protocol implements EB-ICZM applications through the sequential execution of two multidisciplinary analytical methods: the Ecosystem Context Analysis and the System Cause-Effect Analysis. The PROGES-ISP software package allows for the synchronised integration of multi-window environments, facilitating the ecosystem-based analysis of spatial and tabular datasets and the compilation of data-aware advanced reports.

The set of management measures resulting from the System Cause-Effect Analysis are then mainstreamed into the existing plans of relevant institutions and management authorities for the establishment of an effective multi-level ICZM governance protocol (EB-ICZM-GP).

Pilot areas

The ICZM-DSS is currently piloted in four coastal areas of Italy (Golfo di Corigliano), Jordan (Gulf of Aqaba), Lebanon (Tyre Coast Nature Reserve) and Tunisia (Kneiss Islands). Other applications have been piloted in the Caribbean in Montecristi, the north west coast of the Dominican Republic.

Recommended timeline of implementation

The implementation of the PROGES-ISP methodological protocol to create the ICZM-DSS consists of six main phases:

1. Inception activities: Partner’s base training thematic scoping and stakeholder analysis.
2. Ecosystem Context Analysis: Recognising connections within and across ecological and human systems spanning over the focused area.
3. Development of indices and indicators for the quantitative assessment of EB-ICZM social, economic and ecological dynamics.
4. Data gathering and construction of tabular and GIS databases.
5. System Cause-Effect Analysis: Assessment of ecological risks and socio-economic stresses and identification of management interventions.
6. Mainstreaming EB-ICZM measures into local development plans.

The Ecosystem Context Analysis is implemented in several progressive steps: (i) identification of the major characteristics of the area, (ii) development of the collective understanding of the EBM scenario described in the system matrices and its transposition into a diagram, (iii) development of a set of quantitative indicators to characterise each component and sub-component of the system diagram, (iv) systematic analysis of all the components of the system diagram resulting from the Ecosystem Context Analysis using the System Cause-Effect Analysis to the define an integrated set of management measures coherent with the principles of EB-ICZM and (v) analysis of other pairs of components to identify a new management measure. Possible side-effects of the previous measure are inevitably considered when the analysed pair includes one of the two components of the previous pair.

EB-ICZM applications require significant investment in data collection, management and their retrieval in databases. The Ecosystem Context Analysis method however, reduces this investment to the minimum possible for a successful application, since the assessment of data needs and relevant gap analyses are systematically executed against the specific set of objective indicators identified through the Ecosystem Context Analysis. In turn, the System Cause-Effect Analysis allows the identification of i) components which, in order to avoid hampering the effectiveness of the EB-ICZM application, must be assessed with quantitative indicators and ii) components that could be safely characterised by qualitative indicators. The PROGES-ISP software tools facilitate the efficient handling of the large datasets that EB-ICZM requires.

Quantitative results

Using the EB-ICZM-DSS will ensure that each human activity is managed in the context of all the ways it interacts with marine and coastal ecosystems, and that multiple activities are being managed for a common outcome.

Key deliverables

• Modelisation of the EBM scenario (system matrices, diagrams, etc.)
• GIS database
• Indices and indicators for a quantitative assessment

Transfer potential

This tool can be applied across the whole Mediterranean, in any circumstance, where there is the need to strengthen the implementation of ICZM through DSS.assessment of EB-ICZM social, economic and ecological dynamics. Assessment of EB-ICZM social, economic and ecological dynamics.

• The PROGES-ISP software package [PROGES 2009] is a user-friendly Microsoft Windows application that can support the implementation of several planning and management pursuits. It gives the opportunity to visualise different kinds of data and information with the view to compare the various system components targeted by a possible management action. The software also includes a tool (hyperlink) that automatically links the name of the components in a report to the components shown in the DSS, as well as their related maps, tables or charts, in order to support the decision-making process.

• The main causes for the offences committed in Mediterranean MPAs relate to: ignorance or misinformation (33%), economic interest (32%), weak surveillance (29%), weak enforcement (26%) and general opposition to the MPA (8%).