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Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June 15, 2004

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Page 1: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Sustainability Indicatorsfor the Fraser Basin

Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council

Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June 15, 2004

Page 2: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Outline

• Introduction to the Fraser Basin Council

• Background and History – Process - Consultation and Collaboration– Product - 2003 Snapshot on Sustainability

• 2004 Snapshot on Sustainability– Scope and Approach– Issues and Options for Reporting

Page 3: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Workshop Purpose

• To obtain advice and feedback on the Fraser Basin Council sustainability indicators initiative.

• To share expertise and lessons learned among workshop participants in key areas of common interest.

Page 4: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

The Fraser Basin Council

• Not-for-profit NGO to advance sustainabilty in the Fraser Basin

• Board of Directors (36) includes four orders of Canadian government, private sector and civil society interests.

• Instrumental in solving complex, inter-jurisdictional sustainability issues.

• Catalyst and educator.• Impartial role as convenor and

facilitator of inclusive and constructive dialogue.

• Mandate to measure and report on progress towards sustainability in the Fraser Basin.

Page 5: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Charter for Sustainability

• Vision - “where social well-being is supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment”.

• Definition - “living and managing our activities in a way that balances social, economic, environmental and institutional considerations to meet our needs and those of future generations”.

• 12 Principles of Sustainability• 26 Goals of Sustainability

Page 6: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Background and History - Process (Consultation and Collaboration)

• Secure the resources (people, data, funding)

• Define the scope of sustainability issues and select the appropriate indicators through:

– Public and stakeholder involvement (workbook, workshops, survey)

– Technical review of best available data and indicators (advisors and advisory committee)

– Decisions made by the FBC Board of Directors and a special committee of the Board

• Collect data and analyze trends

• Write report

• Disseminate report / communications

• Follow-up actions

Page 7: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Background and History - Product (2003 Snapshot on Sustainability: State of the Fraser Basin Report)

• 16 sustainability issues – Several indicators per issue

• Highlights– Getting Better– Getting Worse– Uncertain

• Questions posed in the report:– Why is this important for sustainability?– What are the trends and current conditions?– What can be done?– What are some future information needs?– Where can I learn more?

Page 8: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Some Sustainability Trendsin the Fraser Basin

Some highlights of indicator trends:– Population

(Uncertain Implications)– Education Levels Attained

(Getting Better)– Average Household Income

(Getting Better)– Community Engagement: Rates of Volunteerism (Getting Worse)– Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Relationships: Treaties, Protocols and

Agreements (Uncertain Trends)

Page 9: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Some Sustainability Trendsin the Fraser Basin

Some highlights of indicator trends:– Boil Water Advisories

(Getting Worse)– Airborne Particulate Matter

(Getting Better)– Fraser River Salmon Stocks

(Getting Better & Worse)– Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Getting Worse)– Population Vulnerable to Flooding

(Getting Worse)

Page 10: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Using Sustainability Indicators

• Monitor progress toward sustainability • Inspire actions to advance sustainability (i.e., foster

individual and institutional change)• Increase information, education and awareness

about sustainability and facilitate dialogue• Priority setting and partnership building • Identify information gaps and research priorities• Policy analysis and development • Land use planning and development • Strategic planning

Page 11: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

2004 Snapshot on Sustainability: State of the Fraser Basin Report

1. Indicator Trend Updates - Update indicators from 2003 report where new data are available, including:• Population• Health• Education• Housing• Community Engagement• Air Quality• Water Quality (will add water quantity indicators)• Wildlife• Income and Employment• Economic Diversification• Forests and Forestry• Agriculture

Page 12: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

2004 Snapshot on Sustainability:2. New Approaches to Indicators - Develop new approaches including some new topics, indicators

and data sources:• Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Relations• Fish and Fisheries• Strengthening Communities• Energy (consumption by region by sector)• Climate Change• Urban & Rural Interface Issues• Sustainability in Business• Flooding and Flood Management

Page 13: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

2004 Snapshot on Sustainability:

3. Regional Profiles - Profile most relevant trends and local and regional case studies for each of five Fraser Basin regions, including:

• Upper Fraser• Cariboo - Chilcotin• Thompson• Fraser Valley• Greater Vancouver, Squamish, Pemberton

Page 14: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

2004 Snapshot on Sustainability:

4. Sustainability Stories• Case studies to illustrate how

communities and organizations are working to advance sustainability

• Examples to illustrate linkages between social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability

Page 15: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

New and Emerging DataUpdates• 2001 Population Census and Census of Agriculture (unavailable for 2003 Snapshot)• Species at RiskNew Data• 2004 Air Quality and Human Health Report• Energy Consumption Data from Energy Utilities• Market Basket Measure• Early Development Indicator (previously unavailable outside of Vancouver)• Surveys and polling?Other Reports• Smart Growth BC, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (QOL), Environment Canada (Climate

Change, Water Scarcity), and othersOther Suggested Data Sources?

Page 16: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Use of Surveys and Polling Data

• Fraser Basin Council is considering the use of surveys and polling data to:– Fill some data gaps– Supplement / complement traditional indicators– Compare and contrast perceptions and attitudes with the facts

• Topics to consider surveys / polling include:– Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Relations– Community Engagement– Business and Sustainability– General perceptions, attitudes and behaviours toward sustainability

• Existing relevant surveys / polls on sustainability?• General comments on use of surveys / polling?

Page 17: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets

Examples of benchmarks, thresholds and targets• Scientific / technical basis (e.g., toxic levels for specific pollutants - known health risks if

pm10 > 25 micrograms / cubic metre, mercury levels in water, etc.)

• 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)

• Qualitative / subjective / intuitive basis (e.g., based on the interpretation of the project proponent and/or advisors (usually visual icons used such as happy faces, traffic lights, other gauges, up & down arrows)

• Combinations of above

Page 18: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Issues and Challenges with Benchmarks, Thresholds and Targets

• Absolute sustainability versus relative sustainability

– Do we know what level is sustainable?

– Is there consensus or are there diverging perspectives?

• Available, relevant reference points / baseline information

– Do policy targets exist?

– Are they relevant to the audience?

– Are data available for comparisons over time or geography?

– Are comparisons relevant and appropriate?

• Misinterpretation and over-simplification.

• Potential Solution? Interim targets that help define the “right” direction (I.e., moving towards sustainability)

Page 19: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Indices• In the 2003 Snapshot report, the Fraser Basin Council did not develop an index or indices of sustainability

• Concerns / hesitations:

– Concealing the details

– Averages wash-out the extremes

– Inappropriate to combine apples and oranges (I.e., fundamentally different units and scales)

– General lack of a technical basis

• Potential value / benefit:

– Value in presenting a simple answer (I.e., attempt to quantify the net gain or loss in overall sustainability).

• Potential Solutions for 2004 Snapshot report?

– Present an index or several indices as a supplemental analysis (in addition to individual indicator trends).

– Spider web graphs / area graphs

Page 20: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

From Indicators to ActionsThe value of indicators is in supporting informed decision-making and behavioural change

to advance sustainability

How do we get from information to action?• Present the indicator trends and hope the readers respond accordingly on an individual, voluntary

basis.

• Provide simple, non-controversial suggestions.

• Prescribe recommended actions in response to particular indicator trends.

• Make explicit links between particular indicator trends; roles, responsibilities and mandates of agencies, organizations and individuals; and specific planning, policy and decision-making processes (I.e. logic models).

Cautions: assigning blame, finger-pointing, misinterpretation of trends and causes.

Page 21: Sustainability Indicators for the Fraser Basin Presentation by: Fraser Basin Council Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network Learning Workshop - June

Lessons Learned

1st Floor - 470 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5 CANADA

Tel: (604) 488-5358

Fax: (604) 488-5351

Email: [email protected]

http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca