Seminar: Alexandra Fries, UMCES Integration and Application Network

Title: Taking a holistic view: socio-economic and environmental indicators

Speaker: Alexandra Fries

Host: Samantha Heyn

Abstract: Monitoring and assessment are vitally important to understanding environmental conditions and manage water resources. Traditionally, assessments have included water quality and ecosystem indicators such as biota, habitats, and abiotic conditions. Moving to a holistic assessment approach, including socio-economic indicators that take into account ecosystem services and human use, will expand our knowledge of ecosystem relationships and better inform management actions and restoration. Some of the indicator categories to include in a comprehensive assessment are water (quality and quantity), biodiversity, management and governance, economy, ecosystems and landscapes, and people and culture. Deciding which indicators to use should be an open process by which members of local community groups, as well as scientists and researchers come together to build a common vision of the system where they live. By using a stakeholder-driven process, communities are empowered to advocate for their local environment and become invested in the resources that contribute to healthy conditions for humans and ecosystems. This type of assessment, with synthesis of information into an environmental report card, is a proven approach that has led to benefits around the country, including the Chesapeake Bay and Watershed, Rio Grande River Watershed, Mississippi River Watershed, Long Island Sound, and Verde River Watershed.

Contact imetdirectorsoffice@umces.edu for meeting details.