Topic 1: Evaluation report, status and reports of ‘homework’

It was suggested that the project should link at least two other projects “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (TEEB) project and “Millennium Ecosystem assessment”. The work of Jake Morris (Forest Research) was also mentioned (Morris defines different categories of ecosystem services). A discussion followed regarding how many social indicators in forestry other countries might have in common and how measurements could be compared. These analyses would provide background information for the next project. Environmental education was also evoked, as a suggestion for elaborating an indicator, and questions were raised on how it could be implemented at school. Issues such as “quality of life” measurement, or health and well-being were also discussed.

Topic 2: Cooperation with EFICENT project Implementing Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Europe (C&I-SFM), Project Leader Hubert Inhaizer.

Hubert Inhaizer introduced EFICENT and the networking as well as the web platform of the project Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (C&I-SFM).

Discussion followed on the possible inclusion of the SOSIN-project into this network. Mr Inhaizer also shared some links that would be of use to this group:

-          About the FOREST EUROPE Work Programme:

-          Agenda of the Expert Group on Valuation of Forests Ecosystem Services kick-off meeting:

 Topic 3: Discussion on a project proposal and general discussion about the indicators

The discussion was then oriented on MCPFE (Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe) work influence on national indicators and what would be the recommendations if indicators were not used. The project is dependent on the outcomes of the countries, and 2 different levels were also outlined: level 1 would concern general indicators that any countrycould provide, while level 2 would deal with more sophisticated indicators that could be applied at national level for instance. The main indicators the group wants to focus on are: supply, accessibility, quality of experience/benefits and outcomes. Finally, the group discussed the definitions and descriptions of indicators, and how they might be comprehended and implemented.

Topic 4: Planning of the proposal for a project

The group suggested a project title: "Developing nature-based tourism and recreation indicators and monitoring in Europe” and discussed about the different terms chosen. The discussion was then pursued on the objectives of the project, what sort of indicators could be applicable/implemented, how they could then be monitored over time, at which level they could be developed (at European level, nationally, or locally), etc.  Issues of the project were also defined (what kind of indicators should be included? Should they only be quantitative or qualitative also?)

The second part of the discussion concerned the tasks and actions foreseen for the project. This included: Developing indicators (at a national level), and developing methods to assess outcomes and impacts on human well-being (with the help of different types of indicators).

Dissemination and implementation were also targeted, and suggestions were made for the future use of the indicators in planning processes and national policy making, as well as linking the results to existing national and international frameworks and policy programs.

Finally, a management plan was drawn/designed, to address the different points in the project making: the source of funding, the partners that could be involved in the project, the cooperation with other organizations (such as EFINORD, EFICENT) as well as the size of the project.

Topic 5: Next steps for the future:

The discussion focused on the organization and the agenda to carry on with the project (meetings to be held, evaluation report, expert panel, and project plan).

Discussion carried on with the project targeted objectives and the content of the 2013 workshop and the Copenhagen meeting to be scheduled in the course of spring 2013.

It concluded with issues to be tackled when addressing funding possibilities with other parties (such as EU programs).

More information about the SOSIN network project