Introduction 3
Indicators play a crucial role in enhancing decision-making and actions by simplifying and clarifying complex information for policymakers They facilitate the integration of physical and social science knowledge into decisions and help measure progress toward sustainable development goals Additionally, indicators serve as early warning systems to avert economic, social, and environmental setbacks while effectively communicating ideas, thoughts, and values.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in
In 1992, the significance of indicators in guiding countries towards informed decisions for sustainable development was acknowledged The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) subsequently endorsed its Work Programme focused on Indicators of Sustainable Development at the international level.
Between 1994 and 2001, the first two sets of CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development were developed, extensively tested, and applied in various countries These indicators serve as a foundation for creating national indicators of sustainable development.
The revised edition of the CSD indicators has been created in response to the 2002 decisions by the CSD and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which called for enhanced country-level indicators aligned with national priorities and urged international support for developing nations Since the last publication, there has been a significant increase in knowledge and experience regarding sustainable development indicators among countries and organizations, alongside a growing focus on measuring progress towards sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) This revision of the CSD indicators provides essential support for countries in developing and implementing their national sustainable development indicators.
This publication presents the revised, third edition of the CSD indicators
The article outlines the foundation and relevance of the indicator set in relation to Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, highlighting the outcomes of key international sustainable development conferences from 1992 and 2002, alongside the MDG Indicators It offers guidance on the application and adaptation of CSD indicators for national development, briefly discusses the role of indicator frameworks, and includes a concise description of each indicator Additionally, detailed methodology sheets for each indicator are provided on an accompanying CD-ROM and are accessible on the United Nations Division for Sustainable Development's website, with regular updates planned.
History
Chapter 40 of Agenda 21, established at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, urges countries and organizations to create sustainable development indicators that support informed decision-making Additionally, it emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts in developing these indicators.
In 1995, the CSD initiated an indicators work programme aimed at sustainable development, which included several key stages: building consensus on a core list of indicators, developing accompanying methodology sheets, facilitating policy discussions through CSD publications, widely disseminating the findings, and conducting testing, evaluation, and revision of the indicators.
The initial draft of sustainable development indicators was created for discussion by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, specifically the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) and the Statistics Division This draft sparked a consensus-building process involving various UN organizations and other international bodies, both intergovernmental and non-governmental, coordinated by the DSD The outcome was a comprehensive set of indicators aimed at promoting sustainable development.
In 1995 and 1996, participating organizations developed methodology sheets for 134 indicators, which were compiled in a widely distributed publication known as the 'blue book.'
Between 1996 and 1999, a total of 22 countries globally participated in a voluntary pilot test of the indicator set To support this initiative, the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) created guidelines for implementing the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) indicators.
1 Agenda 21, Programme of Action for Sustainable Development, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992
The United Nations published the "Indicators of Sustainable Development Framework and Methodologies" in August 1996, emphasizing the importance of regional briefing and training workshops This initiative aimed to foster collaboration through national workshops and twinning arrangements among testing countries.
Between 1999 and 2000, national testing results were assessed, leading to a revision of the indicator set While countries deemed the testing process successful, they encountered significant challenges, particularly in human resources and policy coordination A key recommendation was to integrate indicator initiatives with national development policies and establish them as permanent work programmes Many countries found the initial CSD indicator set too extensive for effective management, prompting a reduction to 58 indicators organized within a policy-oriented framework These revised indicators were presented to the CSD in 2001 and published in the second edition of the ‘blue book’.
The CSD and its secretariat played a crucial role in facilitating discussions on national-level indicators, engaging governments, international organizations, and stakeholders This collaboration occurred during a pivotal time when the concept of using indicators to achieve sustainable development goals was still developing As a result, the proactive efforts of the CSD significantly advanced progress in this important area.
Latest review of the CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development
Overview of the revised CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development 9
General description
The revised CSD indicators feature a core set of 50 essential indicators, which are part of a broader collection of 96 sustainable development indicators This core set streamlines the indicators for easier management while allowing for a more comprehensive assessment through additional indicators Core indicators meet three key criteria: they address issues pertinent to sustainable development across most nations, they offer vital information not captured by other core indicators, and they can be computed by most countries using readily available data In contrast, non-core indicators are either relevant to fewer countries, provide supplementary information, or are not easily accessible for the majority.
The indicator set maintains the thematic and sub-thematic framework established in 2001, aligning with the practices of numerous countries utilizing national sustainable development indicators This consistency is crucial for effectively monitoring national sustainable development strategies Additionally, ongoing efforts to explore alternative frameworks will be taken into account in future revisions of the CSD indicators.
The recent revision of indicators has moved away from explicitly dividing them into the four pillars of social, economic, environmental, and institutional aspects This shift highlights the multi-dimensional nature of sustainable development and underscores the necessity of integrating these pillars As a result, new cross-cutting themes like poverty and natural hazards have been introduced, while existing themes such as consumption and production patterns are now more prominently represented.
Poverty encompasses a wide array of interconnected issues, making it insufficient to treat it solely as a sub-theme of equity As a result, poverty is now recognized as a distinct theme that incorporates various sub-themes, including income, sanitation, access to drinking water, energy availability, and overall living conditions.
Natural hazards were previously part of the now-defunct theme of 'institutional capacity,' which failed to encompass the topic's cross-cutting nature New themes have emerged, including global economic partnership and governance The global economic partnership theme introduces various indicators addressing critical issues like trade and development financing However, the governance theme remains largely underdeveloped, with only crime-related indicators currently available There is a pressing need for significant methodological advancements to create effective, measurable, and internationally recognized indicators for other governance aspects.
CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development
Theme Sub-theme Core indicator Other indicator
Poverty Income poverty Proportion of population living below national poverty line
Income inequality Ratio of share in national income of highest to lowest quintile Sanitation Proportion of population using an improved sanitation facility
Drinking water Proportion of population using an improved water source
Theme Sub-theme Core indicator Other indicator
(continued) Access to energy Share of households without electricity or other modern energy services
Percentage of population using solid fuels for cooking Living conditions Proportion of urban population living in slums
Governance Corruption Percentage of population having paid bribes
Crime Number of intentional homicides per 100,000 population
Health Mortality Under-five mortality rate Life expectancy at birth Healthy life expectancy at birth Health care delivery Percent of population with access to primary health care facilities
Immunization against infectious childhood diseases
Nutritional status Nutritional status of children Health status and risks Morbidity of major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis
Education Education level Gross intake ratio to last grade of primary education
Net enrolment rate in primary education Adult secondary (tertiary) schooling attainment level Literacy Adult literacy rate
Demographics Population Population growth rate Total fertility rate Dependency ratio
Tourism Ratio of local residents to tourists in major tourist regions and destinations
Theme Sub-theme Core indicator Other indicator
Natural hazards Vulnerability to natural hazards Percentage of population living in hazard prone areas
Human and economic loss due to natural disasters
Atmosphere Climate change Carbon dioxide emissions Emissions of greenhouse gases Ozone layer depletion Consumption of ozone depleting substances
Air quality Ambient concentration of air pollutants in urban areas
Land Land use and status Land use change
Desertification Land affected by desertification
Agriculture Arable and permanent cropland area Fertilizer use efficiency
Use of agricultural pesticides Area under organic farming
Forests Proportion of land area covered by forests Percent of forest trees damaged by defoliation Area of forest under sustainable forest management
Coastal zone Percentage of total population living in coastal areas
Fisheries Proportion of fish stocks within safe biological limits
Marine environment Proportion of marine area protected Marine trophic index
Area of coral reef ecosystems and percentage live cover
Theme Sub-theme Core indicator Other indicator
Freshwater Water quantity Proportion of total water resources used
Water use intensity by economic activity
Water quality Presence of faecal coliforms in freshwater Biochemical oxygen demand in water bodies Wastewater treatment
Biodiversity Ecosystem Proportion of terrestrial area protected, total and by ecological region
Management effectiveness of protected areas
Area of selected key ecosystems Fragmentation of habitats Species Change in threat status of species Abundance of selected key species
Abundance of invasive alien species
Economic development Macroeconomic performance Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita
GDP Adjusted net savings as percentage of gross national income (GNI) Inflation rate
Sustainable public finance Debt to GNI ratio
Employment Employment- population ratio Vulnerable employment Labor productivity and unit labor costs Share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector
Internet users per 100 population Fixed telephone lines per 100 population Mobile cellular telephone subscribers per 100 population
Theme Sub-theme Core indicator Other indicator
Research and development Gross domestic expenditure on R&D as a percent of GDP Tourism Tourism contribution to GDP
Trade Current account deficit as percentage of GDP Share of imports from developing countries and from LDCs
Average tariff barriers imposed on exports from developing countries and LDCs
Development Assistance (ODA) given or received as a percentage of GNI
Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows and net outflows as percentage of GDP Remittances as percentage of GNI
Material consumption Material intensity of the economy Domestic material consumption
Energy use Annual energy consumption, total and by main user category
Share of renewable energy sources in total energy use
Intensity of energy use, total and by economic activity
Waste generation and management Generation of hazardous waste Generation of waste
Waste treatment and disposal Management of radioactive waste
Transportation Modal split of passenger transportation
Modal split of freight transport
Addressing thematic linkages
Sustainable development indicators aim to comprehensively measure sustainability by considering its multi-dimensional and integrated aspects While single-valued indices provide an overall assessment, they can obscure variations in progress across different dimensions In contrast, indicator sets like the CSD indicators effectively track advancements but may need supplementary information to clarify their integrative characteristics.
Eliminating the categorization of indicators into sustainable development pillars enhances the focus on its multi-dimensional nature Rethinking themes and sub-themes further supports this perspective Table 2 demonstrates how CSD indicators effectively measure progress towards sustainable development by highlighting inter-thematic connections across various themes.
The themes to which the indicators primarily apply are shaded in Table 2 Note that an indicator may apply to more than one theme, as for example with
Access to safe drinking water is closely linked to poverty and health, highlighting its critical role in public well-being Additionally, this indicator serves to assess the effectiveness of regulations and governance in water utilities, emphasizing the importance of governance in this context As domestic freshwater constitutes the primary source of drinking water in many nations, the indicator also sheds light on the availability and utilization of water resources, as well as the infrastructure supporting these utilities Therefore, economic development is another relevant theme associated with this vital resource.
CSD indicators and thematic linkages
Poverty governance plays a crucial role in health education and demographic stability, while natural hazards significantly impact environmental factors such as atmosphere, land, oceans, seas, and coasts Freshwater resources and biodiversity are essential for economic development, which is further enhanced through global economic partnerships and sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Percent of population living below national poverty line
Proportion of population below international poverty line
Ratio of share in national income of highest to lowest quintile
Proportion of population using improved sanitation facilities
Poverty governance plays a critical role in shaping health education and demographic trends, particularly in areas affected by natural hazards The health of oceans, seas, and coasts, alongside fresh water resources, is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting economic development Global economic partnerships are vital for sustainable consumption and production patterns, ensuring that development efforts are aligned with environmental conservation and social well-being.
Proportion of population using an improved water source
Share of households without electricity or other modern energy services
Percentage of population using solid fuels for cooking
Proportion of urban population living in slums
Percentage of population having paid bribes
Number of intentional homicides per 100,000 population
Mortality rate under 5 years old
Percent of population with access to primary health care facilities
Immunization against infectious childhood diseases
Morbidity of major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tubercolosis
Gross intake into last year of primary education, by sex
Net enrolment rate in primary education
Adult secondary (tertiary) schooling attainment level, by sex
Adult literacy rate, by sex
Poverty governance plays a crucial role in shaping health education and demographic trends, while natural hazards impact the environment, including land, oceans, seas, and coasts Freshwater resources and biodiversity are essential for sustainable economic development, which can be enhanced through global economic partnerships and responsible consumption and production patterns.
Ratio of local residents to tourists in major tourist regions
Percentage of population living in hazard prone areas
Human and economic loss due to natural disasters
Consumption of ozone depleting substances
Ambient concentration of air pollutants in urban areas
Arable and permanent cropland area
Proportion of land area covered by forests
Percent of forests damaged by defoliation
Area under sustainable forest management
Percentage of total population living in coastal areas
Proportion of fish stocks within safe biological limits
Effective poverty governance is essential for improving health and education, particularly in vulnerable demographics Addressing natural hazards and their impact on the atmosphere is crucial for sustainable development Protecting oceans, seas, and coasts, along with freshwater resources, is vital for maintaining biodiversity Economic development should focus on fostering global economic partnerships while considering consumer and production patterns to create a resilient economy.
Proportion of marine area protected
Area of coral reef ecosystems and percentage live cover
Proportion of total water resources used
Water use intensity by economic activity
Biochemical oxygen demand in water bodies
Presence of faecal coliform in freshwater
Proportion of terrestrial area protected, total and by ecological region
Management effectiveness of protected areas
Area of selected key ecosystems
Abundance of selected key species
Change in threat status of species
Abundance of invasive alien species
Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita
Labor productivity and unit labor costs
Effective poverty governance is essential for improving health and education outcomes, particularly in vulnerable demographics Addressing natural hazards and their impact on the atmosphere, land, oceans, seas, and coasts is crucial for sustainable development Protecting freshwater resources and biodiversity is vital for fostering economic development Additionally, global economic partnerships can enhance consumption and production patterns, promoting a more resilient and equitable future.
Employment-population ratio, by sex
Share of women in wage employment in the non- agricultural sector
Number of internet users per 100 population
Fixed telephone lines per 100 population
Mobile cellular telephone subscribers per 100 population
Gross domestic expenditure on R&D as a percent of GDP
Current account deficit as percentage of GDP
Share of imports from developing countries and from LDCs
Average tariff barriers imposed on exports from developing countries and LDCs
Assistance (ODA) given or received as a percentage of GNI
FDI inflows and outflows as percentage of GNI
Remittances as percentage of GNI
Material intensity of the economy
Annual energy consumption per capita, total and by main user category
Share of renewable energy sources in total energy use
Poverty governance plays a critical role in shaping health education and demographic trends, while the impact of natural hazards on communities cannot be overlooked The atmosphere, along with oceans, seas, and coasts, significantly influences environmental health and biodiversity Freshwater resources are vital for economic development, and fostering global economic partnerships can enhance consumption and production patterns Addressing these interconnected factors is essential for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
Intensity of energy use, total and by sector
Modal split of passenger transportation
Modal split of freight transport
Table 2 only reveals direct relationships between indicators and themes
Educational attainment serves as a crucial measure of human capital, significantly influencing economic growth and development This relationship highlights how economic growth affects consumption patterns in areas such as energy, waste, transport, and material consumption While educational attainment can indirectly indicate consumption and production elements, it is not directly linked to sustainable consumption patterns The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development emphasizes the importance of education in shaping consumption behaviors, yet the CSD indicator on education does not directly measure its impact on sustainable consumption.
5 For details, see UNESCO website at http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_
ID'234&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION 1.html
Relationship between MDG Indicators and
CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Indicators originally comprised 48 indicators linked to eight goals from the United Nations Millennium Declaration In 2007, the Secretary-General revised the framework to include 58 indicators, adding four new targets based on commitments from the 2005 World Summit Both the MDG and CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development were developed collaboratively by various UN Departments, specialized agencies, and external organizations, emphasizing policy relevance and application at the national level This overlap has led to confusion among policymakers regarding the relationship and necessity of maintaining two distinct sets of indicators.
3 Promote gender equality and empower women
6 Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
The CSD indicators serve as a reference framework for countries to monitor their progress towards specific national goals and broader sustainable development objectives, distinguishing their purpose from that of the MDG indicators.
The revised monitoring framework for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is detailed in the United Nations Report of the Secretary-General from 2006 This framework aims to facilitate the global tracking of progress towards achieving internationally established objectives For comprehensive information regarding the MDG indicators, please refer to the official United Nations resources.
The CSD indicators encompass a wide array of issues related to all pillars of sustainable development, including economic, social, and environmental aspects In contrast, the MDG Indicators focus specifically on the eight Millennium Development Goals, which are a subset of the broader sustainable development agenda, emphasizing the poverty-health connection Consequently, the MDG Indicators have a narrower scope and do not address critical sustainable development issues such as demographics, natural hazards, governance, and macroeconomics Additionally, while consumption and production patterns are vital for sustainable development, they are represented by only one MDG indicator—energy intensity—which will be removed from the MDG Indicators framework this year.
The MDG Indicators prioritize global monitoring, necessitating selection criteria that may not align with national-focused indicators These indicators must facilitate meaningful regional and global aggregation, requiring data that is both available and internationally comparable Consequently, single-value indicators are favored for their simplicity in presenting data over time and across different countries or groups In contrast, national-oriented sets like the CSD indicators can encompass multiple dimensions, including variations by population groups, gender, and sectoral breakdowns Additionally, CSD indicators may feature metrics without widely accepted adjustment methods for cross-country comparisons or those lacking time-series data since the 1990s.
The review of CSD indicators has revealed inconsistencies with earlier definitions of CSD and MDG indicators, which have been addressed in this updated edition Additionally, the simultaneous review of MDG indicators has resulted in the incorporation of specific CSD indicators into the revised MDG framework, particularly in the fields of natural resources, biodiversity, and employment.
Table 3 highlights the similarities between CSD and MDG Indicators, with the MDG indicator numbers corresponding to the official list established in September 2003 Additionally, indicators that were formally recommended for inclusion in the MDG framework in 2007 are also presented.
The revised MDG monitoring framework includes new indicators, while those from the original list that are no longer part of the framework are marked as 'dropped.' Additionally, indicators not officially recognized as MDG Indicators but present in the official MDG database are labeled as 'Additional.' Some indicators resemble CSD indicators but differ in coverage and definitions; for instance, the CSD indicator on Official Development Assistance (ODA) encompasses all countries involved in development aid, whereas the MDG framework specifies indicators for OECD/DAC donors and recipients from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states Furthermore, the CSD indicator on childhood nutrition addresses underweight, stunting, and overweight, while the corresponding MDG indicator focuses solely on underweight.
CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development, MDG Indicators, Agenda 21 and JPOI
Indicator Agenda 21 chapter JPOI chapter
Proportion of population living below national poverty line Additional 3 (3 4 a) II (7a)
Proportion of population below $ 1 a day # 1 3 (3 4 a) II (7a)
Ratio of share in national income of highest to lowest quintile 3 V (47)
Proportion of population using an improved sanitation facility # 30 6 (6 12 e) II (8); IV (25)
Proportion of population using improved water source # 31 6 (6 12 e) II (8); IV (25)
Share of households without electricity or other modern energy services 7 (7 40) II (9 a)
Percentage of population using solid fuels for cooking # 29
7 It should be noted, though, that data for receipts of ODA in all developing countries are provided on the MDG database
Indicator Agenda 21 chapter JPOI chapter
Proportion of urban population living in slums # 32 * 7 (7 8) II (11 a)
Percentage of population having paid bribes 2 (2 32) I (4)
Number of intentional homicides per 100,000 population I (4)
Under-five mortality rate # 13 6 (6 24) VI (54 f)
Healthy life expectancy at birth 6
Percent of population with access to primary health care facilities 6 (6 4) VI (54 b)
Immunization against infectious childhood diseases # 15 * 6
Nutritional status of children # 4 c 6 (6 27) VI (54 n)
Prevalence of tobacco use 6 VI (54 o)
Morbidity of major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis # 18 *; #21 *;
Gross intake into last year of primary education Additional 36 (36 4) II (7 g)
Net enrolment rate in primary education # 6 36 (36 4) II (7 g)
Adult secondary (tertiary) schooling attainment level 36 II (7 g)
Ratio of local residents to tourists in major tourist regions and destinations 7 (7 20) IV (43)
Percentage of population living in hazard prone areas 7 (7 58) IV (37)
Human and economic loss due to natural disasters 7 (7 58) IV (37)
Indicator Agenda 21 chapter JPOI chapter
Consumption of ozone depleting substances # 28 b 9 (9 23) IV (39)
Ambient concentration of air pollutants in urban areas 9 (9 11, 9 14
Land affected by desertification 12 IV (41)
Arable and permanent cropland area 14 IV (40)
Use of agricultural pesticides 14 (14 75) IV (40)
Area under organic farming 14 IV (40)
Proportion of land area covered by forests # 25 11 (11 12) IV (45)
Percent of forest trees damaged by defoliation 11 IV (45)
Area of forest under sustainable forest management 11 (11 12) IV (45)
Percentage of total population living in coastal areas 17 IV (32)
Proportion of fish stocks within safe biological limits New 17 (17 46,
Proportion of marine area protected # 26 * 15 (15 5 g),
Area of coral reef ecosystems and percentage live cover 15 (15 5 g),
Proportion of total water resources used New 18 IV( 25 e, 26)
Water use intensity by economic activity 18 IV( 26)
Biochemical oxygen demand in water bodies 18 (18 39) IV( 25 d)
Presence of faecal coliforms in freshwater 18 (18 39 c) IV( 25 d)
Proportion of terrestrial area protected, total and by ecological region # 26 * 15 (15 5 g) IV (44)
Indicator Agenda 21 chapter JPOI chapter
Management effectiveness of protected areas 15 (15 5 g) IV (44)
Area of selected key ecosystems 15 (15 5 g) IV (44)
Abundance of selected key species 15 (15 5 g) IV (44)
Change in threat status of species New * 15 (15 5 h) IV (44)
Abundance of invasive alien species 15 IV (44)
Adjusted net savings as percentage of GNI 2 (2 34) X (83)
Employment-population ratio New 7, 14, 24 II (10 b)
Labor productivity and unit labor costs New * 14 II (10 a)
Share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector # 11 24 II (7 d)
Number of internet users per 100 population # 48 40 V (52)
Fixed telephone lines per 100 population # 47 a 40 V (52)
Mobile cellular telephone subscribers per 100 population # 47 b 40 V (52)
Gross domestic expenditure on R&D as a percent of GDP 35 X (113)
Current account deficit as percentage of GDP 2 (2 9, 2 34) X (83, 92)
Share of imports from developing countries and from LDCs 2 (2 9) V (47), X (92)
Average tariff barriers imposed on exports from developing countries and LDCs
Assistance (ODA) given or received as a percentage of GNI
Indicator Agenda 21 chapter JPOI chapter
Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows and net outflows as percentage of GDP
Remittances as percentage of GNI 33 X (83)
Material intensity of the economy 4 (4 18) III (15)
Annual energy consumption, total and by main user category 4 III (20)
Share of renewable energy sources in total energy use 4 III (20 c, d, e)
Intensity of energy use, total and by economic activity # 27 *
Generation of hazardous waste 20 (20 11) III (23)
Waste treatment and disposal 21 (21 17) III (22)
Management of radioactive waste 22 (22 3) III (35)
Modal split of passenger transportation 4 III (21)
Modal split of freight transport 4 III (21)
Energy intensity of transport 4 III (21)
CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development,
The CSD indicators are fundamentally linked to Agenda 21, which mandates their development Although subsequent editions of these indicators do not adhere to Agenda 21's original structure, they remain closely associated with it Table 3 provides a reference to all Agenda 21 chapters in relation to each CSD indicator, highlighting specific objectives or activities from Agenda 21 in brackets where applicable Additionally, Table 3 connects the CSD indicators to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), established at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development Given the comprehensive nature of sustainable development, both significant conference outcome documents reiterate certain objectives and activities across multiple sections For clarity, Table 3 includes only key references rather than a complete list.
CSD indicators are closely linked to Agenda 21 and the JPOI, making them valuable for countries to track their national implementation of international sustainable development commitments These indicators effectively measure the outcomes of policies aimed at achieving sustainable development goals However, they are not designed to assess the implementation of specific actions outlined in these key sustainable development agreements.
and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
Applying CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development 29
This chapter offers some guidance on how the CSD indicators can be uti- lized by countries for the development or revision of national indicator sets
Countries with existing national indicator sets may find it beneficial to incorporate the new CSD indicators during their regular reviews instead of making ad-hoc changes, as the deviations from previous indicators are minor The chapter outlines essential selection criteria for this process and introduces a straightforward tool to assist countries in tailoring CSD indicators to their unique national contexts Additionally, it provides an example of how CSD indicators can be effectively integrated into national development strategies.
Indicator selection
The choice of indicators is primarily influenced by the intended purpose of the indicator set The main goal of the CSD indicators has always been to guide national policy Beyond evaluating overall progress in sustainable development, numerous countries effectively utilize these indicators to gauge their success within the context of their National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS).
When selecting indicators for sustainable development, it is essential to consider several key criteria The guidelines from the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) emphasize that these indicators should primarily focus on national contexts, be relevant for evaluating progress in sustainable development, and remain limited in number while being adaptable to future requirements Additionally, they should comprehensively cover Agenda 21 and encompass all facets of sustainable development.
8 United Nations, Indicators of Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies, Second Edition, UN Sales Publication No E 01 II A 6 (New York, September 2001)
4. understandable, clear and unambiguous; conceptually sound; representative of an international consensus to the extent possible; within the capabilities of national governments to develop; and dependent on cost effective data of known quality.
The first criterion highlights the necessity of utilizing indicators for national-level assessments However, criteria two through four present a challenge, as indicators must be both limited and comprehensive enough to reflect the multidimensional aspects of sustainable development An excessive number of indicators can lead to overwhelming and hard-to-interpret results Initially, the CSD indicator set included 134 indicators, but subsequent testing by countries resulted in a significant reduction Implementing smaller core sets within the larger framework makes sustainable development indicators more manageable, with the size of the sets typically decreasing as the purpose becomes more focused.
Clear and unambiguous indicators are essential for effective communication and understanding The clarity of purpose and audience significantly influences the transparency of these indicators, as ambiguity can vary based on context For instance, an increase in arable land may be viewed positively in a country facing food insecurity, while it could be perceived negatively in a nation experiencing agricultural overproduction Establishing voluntary national targets for indicators, such as those within a National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS), can mitigate such ambiguities Furthermore, the interconnectedness of thematic issues can lead to conflicts; for example, while high GDP growth is often seen as a marker of economic progress, it can also result in increased energy consumption and environmental degradation These complexities should not be interpreted as ambiguity but rather highlight the necessity for a balanced and integrated approach to interpreting results.
Indicators must be conceptually robust, but in emerging fields, the need for an indicator can arise before it is fully developed In these situations, it is beneficial to create a placeholder for the indicator with a general description while focusing on enhancing its conceptual foundations Meanwhile, a proxy indicator can be utilized, provided it is sufficiently reliable.
9. cient evidence that it is able to capture relevant phenomena that do not skew the results.
The CSD indicators were created through a collaborative effort involving Member States, UN organizations, intergovernmental bodies, and NGOs, reflecting a broad consensus among international entities This collaborative approach allows countries to adopt CSD indicators tailored to their national conditions while benefiting from diverse expertise and perspectives For measuring international commitments like the MDGs, maintaining international comparability is crucial Since the inception of CSD sustainable development indicators, numerous countries have successfully implemented and customized these indicators to meet their specific needs To facilitate this adaptation, the methodology sheets for CSD indicators, available on the accompanying CD and the DSD homepage, often include alternative indicators that may be better suited for particular national contexts.
National capability encompasses the institutional capacity to monitor, collect, and interpret data, transforming it into valuable information for decision-making In the last decade, a growing focus on information-based decision-making has spurred efforts to enhance this capacity, particularly in developing countries Sustaining and accelerating these initiatives will further improve the relevance and application of sustainable development indicators.
Despite significant advancements in the past decade, many countries still face challenges regarding data availability and reliability To enhance cost-effectiveness, CSD indicators often depend on data routinely collected by national statistical services or through international processes, such as those conducted by United Nations specialized agencies in the context of the MDGs Many of these indicators utilize data from national accounts, and improvements in the adoption of the System of National Accounts (SNA) will enhance data availability Furthermore, the implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) will not only increase the availability of data and indicators but also significantly improve opportunities for further advancements.
DevInfo is a valuable and free tool designed for managing development data, created in collaboration with the United Nations It provides an integrated analysis of key indicators, essential for formulating effective policy interventions For more information, visit [DevInfo](http://www.devinfo.org).
Adapting CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development for national sets
Sustainable Development for national sets
The CSD indicators align with established criteria, but countries may need to customize them to fit their specific needs This section introduces a practical tool—a simple matrix that evaluates the data availability and relevance of CSD indicators, helping nations determine their suitability and necessary adjustments It is important to note that other indicator sets, such as MDG indicators or sustainable development indicators from different countries, should also be adapted accordingly This tool can serve as a valuable reference for creating national sustainable development indicators.
Data availability is crucial for assessing CSD indicators, with national statistical offices serving as the primary data source in most countries While data from national and satellite accounts, census, and major surveys are generally accessible, gaps may still exist Other government ministries and agencies also contribute significant data, particularly from surveys and administrative records Additionally, regional and international organizations compile data from various national sources, providing an alternative when national data is lacking National reports submitted to intergovernmental processes, including multilateral environmental agreements, can serve as another data source, although they may not always align with standard national statistical methods The methodology sheets for CSD indicators include essential information on national and international data sources, aiding in the assessment of data availability.
When adapting CSD indicators to national frameworks, it is beneficial to categorize each indicator based on data availability into four distinct groups: fully available, potentially available, related data available, and not available.
The first category of indicators is the most preferred, while the second includes indicators with potentially available data, where information can be gathered within a reasonable timeframe and cost, often by extending existing surveys This category also includes plans to enhance data collection, storage, and management capabilities The third category consists of indicators with missing critical data, but related indicators can be derived from existing data, such as using car registration statistics to estimate vehicle usage Investing in data collection and capacity-building is essential for improving data availability, though this cost must be balanced against the risks of relying on less accurate related indicators for planning and decision-making.
Relevance serves as the second dimension of the adaptation matrix, highlighting the importance of categorizing CSD indicators into four distinct groups: relevant, related but relevant, relevant yet missing, and irrelevant This classification aids in understanding the significance and applicability of each indicator within the context of sustainable development.
Indicators are categorized into two main types: the first includes those that are directly relevant to the purpose, while the second encompasses indicators that, although not directly relevant, are closely related or offer alternative measurements For instance, while CSD indicators assess objective health dimensions like disease prevalence and immunization, some countries may opt for subjective indicators based on survey data regarding public satisfaction with health status Additionally, CSD indicators may address issues that are related but not identical to national concerns, such as countries focusing on trade integration monitoring with regional partners instead of trade with developing nations.
The third category includes important issues not addressed by CSD indicators, either due to their limited availability in certain countries or the intention to maintain a concise CSD set Examples of these issues are food safety, public decision-making participation, and linguistic diversity Indicators for these topics would need to be sourced from other existing sets, or relevant underlying issues may be considered instead Overall, this category is anticipated to have a minimal number of entries.
The final category, known as irrelevant indicators, includes metrics that lack significance in context; for instance, the coastal population indicator is not applicable to landlocked countries.
Figure 1 shows how the two dimensions, data availability and relevance, can be combined in a simple matrix in which the CSD indicators can be placed.
Matrix for adapting CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development
Related indicator relevant Relevant but missing Irrelevant Available
Related data available Not available
Legend To be used To be identified
The black boxes represent CSD indicators that can be directly incorporated into national indicators without modifications In contrast, the dark grey boxes indicate CSD indicators that require adjustments for specific countries due to the availability of more relevant indicators or lack of data The light grey boxes highlight important indicators for a country that are not part of the CSD set Identifying suitable indicators involves evaluating data availability, and it is expected that the number of indicators in these boxes will be minimal Blank boxes will contain any CSD indicators deemed unnecessary by the country.
To effectively adapt the CSD indicators to national conditions, it may be necessary to modify the framework itself The flexibility of the CSD indicators' thematic framework allows for the merging or splitting of sub-themes and themes as required Additionally, aligning the indicator framework with the selected framework for a national sustainable development strategy is typically achievable.
Indicators as tools for measuring sustainable development
National strategies play a crucial role in transforming sustainable development goals into actionable policies Recognized by nearly all nations in Agenda 21, countries committed to establishing and executing National Sustainable Development Strategies (NSDS) during the 1997 Special Session of the UN General Assembly and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
An NSDS, or National Sustainable Development Strategy, is a coordinated and participatory process aimed at achieving balanced economic, environmental, and social objectives While there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for such a strategy, five key principles are widely recognized: country ownership and commitment, the integration of economic, social, and environmental policies across various sectors and generations, broad participation and effective partnerships, the development of necessary capacities and enabling environments, and a strong focus on outcomes and implementation methods.
Because NSDS are defined by their process and principles, the actual name of the strategy is not important It may be a national development strategy, a
10 Programme of Action for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, paragraph 24
The latest updates on the advancements made towards fulfilling commitments in the development and execution of relevant strategies by 2005 are available For detailed information, please visit the official website dedicated to national sustainable development strategies.
The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation emphasizes the importance of integrating poverty reduction strategies and MDG-based approaches within a National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) It advises countries to avoid parallel strategy processes, as they can lead to resource wastage and confusion in results, thereby promoting a cohesive and efficient approach to sustainable development.
Indicators are crucial throughout different phases of a National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS), including assessment, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation Incorporating indicators during the formulation stage enhances the NSDS's concreteness and measurability Specifically, the CSD indicators serve as essential tools across all these NSDS stages.
CSD indicators, with their comprehensive coverage of sustainable development topics and national focus, can be effectively tailored to fit specific national contexts This adaptability makes them essential tools for evaluating national sustainable development goals.
Effective strategy implementation requires monitoring to ensure it does not remain a mere list of intentions Monitoring allows for the adjustment of policy interventions in response to changing conditions, fostering a culture of learning that leads to improved strategies in future iterations It also enhances accountability among key actors in the implementation process Additionally, when combined with appropriate reporting procedures, monitoring promotes public interest and awareness of sustainable development.
An NSDS encompasses three key areas that necessitate monitoring: the actions and activities outlined in the NSDS, the impact of the NSDS, and the overall progress toward sustainable development While this publication does not address indicators for monitoring the first task, these management indicators typically align with the strategy and action plan formulations A primary objective of utilizing such indicators is to ensure accountability among actors and stakeholders involved in the NSDS.
The National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) aims to enhance sustainability in development, but it varies in coverage by focusing on specific priorities and targets While not all sustainable development issues are addressed within the NSDS, it remains essential to monitor these external issues, as this oversight can inform necessary adjustments to the NSDS throughout its implementation.
The CSD indicators, tailored to specific national contexts, are crucial for effective monitoring of strategic tasks When adapting these indicators to assess the strategy's impact, it is important to incorporate additional selection criteria that ensure responsiveness to the relevant policies and actions Breaking down CSD indicators by target groups can enhance their responsiveness Timeliness is also essential; therefore, indicators based on infrequent large surveys or censuses, which require lengthy processing, should be approached with caution In such cases, utilizing simpler surveys focused on primary target groups can provide timely insights for monitoring the strategy's impact.
Effective reporting mechanisms for sharing monitoring results are essential for obtaining stakeholder feedback that enhances strategy development and implementation It is crucial to tailor reporting to meet the diverse needs of various target audiences, such as the general public, stakeholder organizations, parliaments, political decision-makers, and external donors in many developing countries Utilizing different yet coherent reporting formats can effectively engage these audiences.
Monitoring results should be integrated into comprehensive National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSDS) progress reports, with key findings summarized in executive summaries aimed at policymakers These reports often provide analytical insights that are directly relevant to policy, with the extent and format of analysis tailored to the target audience While it is beneficial to include basic analysis in standard NSDS reports, more in-depth analysis can be conducted less frequently User-friendly brochures showcasing indicators can effectively communicate strategy implementation to the public, utilizing simple symbols like arrows or traffic lights to illustrate progress in sustainable development Additionally, leveraging the internet can facilitate the reporting of updated indicator values, though many developing countries face organizational challenges due to multiple project-specific reporting requirements from various externally funded initiatives.
Evaluation is essential for an NSDS as it determines the strategy's effectiveness in achieving its goals, assesses implementation efficiency, and evaluates its potential for long-term impact Unlike continuous monitoring, evaluations are conducted periodically, often coinciding with major revisions or the expiration of the NSDS Intermediate evaluations are recommended based on the NSDS timeframe, external changes, and resource availability While the NSDS may include project-specific evaluations for funding purposes, these should complement rather than replace the overall strategy evaluation, which is necessary to understand policy linkages and ensure appropriate prioritization of areas.
Monitoring indicators for the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) are crucial for evaluating whether the strategy meets its targets To assess effectiveness, it is essential to validate and quantify the connections between NSDS actions and their development outcomes and impacts However, due to the complexities and ongoing uncertainties surrounding sustainable development, this challenge may not yield definitive answers.
To effectively evaluate the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), it is essential to assess various policy interventions This evaluation will incorporate multiple methodologies, including comparisons with non-target groups, cross-country analyses, and econometric modeling techniques.
Driving force-state-response frameworks
The initial set of 134 CSD indicators, introduced in 1996, utilized a driving force, state, and response (DSR) framework, a variation of the pressure-state-response model These indicators are categorized into three types: driving force indicators, which reflect activities impacting sustainable development (such as pollution levels or school enrolment rates); state indicators, which depict the current conditions (like children's nutritional status or forest coverage); and response indicators, which demonstrate societal efforts toward achieving sustainable development Furthermore, these indicators were organized according to the dimensions of sustainable development—social, economic, environmental, and institutional—aligning them with the relevant chapters of Agenda 21.
The pressure-state-response (PSR) framework has been utilized in various environmentally focused indicator sets; however, the revision of the CSD indicators in 2001 moved away from this framework due to its inadequacy in addressing complex interlinkages among issues The classification of indicators into driving force, state, or response was often unclear, leading to uncertainties in causal relationships and failing to effectively connect indicators with policy matters As a result, the updated CSD indicators were organized within a more adaptable theme and sub-theme framework while still reflecting the four dimensions of sustainable development.
Issue- or theme-based frameworks
Issue- or theme-based frameworks are the predominant type used in national indicator sets, particularly for sustainable development These frameworks categorize indicators according to various issues that are relevant to policy-making Most countries globally that have established national sustainable development indicators utilize a thematic framework This approach is similarly reflected in regional strategies and indicator programs, including those in the Baltic 21 Action Programme, the Mediterranean Sustainable Development Strategy, and the European Union's Sustainable Development Indicators.
Thematic frameworks are essential as they effectively connect indicators to policy processes and targets, delivering clear messages to decision-makers and enhancing public awareness These frameworks are ideal for tracking progress toward the objectives outlined in national sustainable development strategies and can easily adapt to evolving priorities and policy goals.
Capital frameworks
Various methods exist for assessing sustainable development, with the capital approach gaining significant interest This approach evaluates national wealth by considering the interplay of different types of capital, including financial, produced, natural, human, social, and institutional capital To effectively analyze these diverse forms of capital, they are typically quantified in common monetary terms.
Sustainable development indicators frameworks differ in their approaches, yet they consistently aim to define the concept of development and explore methods for achieving sustainability in that development This focus highlights the importance of understanding both the essence of development and the strategies necessary for its sustainable implementation.
We must assess the resources currently available to us and evaluate whether our management practices enable the sustainable maintenance and development of these resources for the future.
The capital approach emphasizes the complexity of substitutability among various types of capital, highlighting clear examples such as machines replacing human labor, renewable energy sources substituting for non-renewable ones, and synthetics serving as alternatives to certain natural resources Future technological advancements and human creativity may further enhance this substitutability However, some essential assets, like a stable climate and biological diversity, may be irreplaceable, underscoring the limits of capital substitution.
Using a capital framework to track sustainable development presents several challenges, including disagreements on quantifying various forms of capital in monetary terms, issues with data availability, and the need to address substitution and intra-generational equity across countries Despite these hurdles, the potential of capital as a decision-making tool for sustainable development is significant, warranting further exploration and support in this field.
Accounting frameworks
Indicator systems that utilize accounting frameworks derive all metrics from a unified database, facilitating sectoral aggregation with consistent classifications and definitions A leading example of this approach is the System of Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting (SEEA), developed by the United Nations Statistical Commission in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Commission, and OECD The SEEA enhances national accounting by incorporating environmental dimensions through a satellite system of accounts, establishing a clear connection to the standard national accounts framework.
Knut H Alfsen and Thorvald Moe emphasize the importance of establishing a global framework for developing national indicators that support sustainable development policies Their background paper, prepared for the UN Expert Group meeting on Indicators of Sustainable Development in December 2005, highlights the need for effective measurement tools to assess progress in sustainability initiatives.
The System of National Accounts (SNA) includes both monetary and physical accounts, facilitating the creation of a unified database for consistent sustainable development indicators in economic and environmental areas Currently, several countries are adopting the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), which is being proposed as an international statistical standard.
Integrated national account frameworks like the SEEA were not originally designed to focus on sustainable development, as they currently overlook two of its four pillars: social and institutional aspects However, there are ongoing efforts to enhance these frameworks by incorporating human capital and exploring connections with social accounting matrices (SAM) that align with national accounts.
The implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) enhances sustainable development indicators within both capital and thematic frameworks In capital frameworks, SEEA enables a transition from estimated data to direct measurements of capital For thematic frameworks, it proves invaluable for monitoring and evaluating development strategies By utilizing a consistent database that allows for meaningful sectoral and spatial disaggregation, the SEEA facilitates a reliable assessment of progress towards specific targets and cross-sectoral impacts.
The latest edition of the CSD indicators enhances its alignment with the SEEA by incorporating its definitions and classifications, while also introducing sectoral breakdowns based on standard classifications.
15 See United Nations et al (2003), SEEA Handbook, for the details on the SEEA and United Nations Statistical Commission (2006), report E/2006/24 and especially document E/
Laszlo Pinter, Peter Hardi, and Peter Bartelmus presented a discussion paper on sustainable development indicators, outlining proposals for future progress This document was prepared under a consultancy agreement for the UN Division for Sustainable Development and was discussed during the Expert Group Meeting held in New York from December 13-15, 2005.
No UNDSD/EGM/ISD/2005/CRP 2
Aggregated indicators
Numerous initiatives have aimed to create aggregated indicators that reflect aspects of sustainable development These indicators are mainly utilized to enhance public awareness and often attract significant media coverage However, instead of providing a holistic perspective on sustainable development, many of these indicators tend to concentrate primarily on the environmental aspects and resource management.
Examples of such indicators include the Ecological Footprint, the Environ- mental Sustainability Index (ESI) and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) The Ecological Footprint, originally developed by Wackernagel and Rees
The Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) are tools developed by Yale University's Center for Environmental Law and Policy and Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum The ESI combines 76 data sets related to natural resource endowments, pollution levels, environmental management, and societal capacity for improvement into 21 indicators, culminating in a single index In contrast, the EPI focuses on measuring human resource consumption and waste generation in relation to biological productive land and water, linking these metrics to biological capacity.
16 indicators related to resource depletion, pollution, environmental impact and energy efficiency into an index aimed at measuring policy impact 19
Comprehensive indicators for sustainable development, such as Adjusted Net Saving and the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), provide valuable insights Adjusted Net Saving, created by the World Bank, is derived by subtracting the monetary values of resource depletion and air pollution damage from traditional net savings, while also factoring in education expenditures This indicator is part of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) indicators under the economic development theme The GPI, similarly focused on measuring genuine economic progress, complements these efforts in assessing sustainability.
17 Wackernagel, M and W Rees (1996), Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island See also http://www footprintnetwork org
18 See http://www.yale.edu/esi/ for details
19 See http://www.yale.edu/epi/ for details
Twenty methodologies and publications related to this indicator can be found on the World Bank's website Redefining Progress enhances GDP by incorporating the economic contributions of household and volunteer work while deducting negative factors like crime, pollution, and family breakdown This approach aims to provide a more accurate measure of overall well-being.
It is related to the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) developed by Daly and Cobb (1989) 22
The aggregation of various indicators encounters substantial challenges, including issues with data availability, methodology, variable selection, and the weighting of variables in indexes Despite these obstacles, ongoing efforts aim to compile a diverse array of variables, creating a clear and comprehensible message for decision-makers and civil society alike.
Other indicator approaches
Alternative methods for utilizing indicators in sustainable development exist beyond formal frameworks, such as the creation of issue-specific sustainable development indicators These indicators are typically employed by national ministries or NGOs to monitor policy implementation and engage the public On an international scale, notable examples include biodiversity indicators designed to assess progress towards the global goal of significantly reducing biodiversity loss.
2010 23 , the energy indicators of sustainable development 24 , or the sustainable tourism indicators 25
The rising adoption of headline indicators by nations and organizations reflects a focus on concise metrics that align with policy priorities, offering immediate insights to both policymakers and the public These headline indicators often exist alongside more extensive indicator sets, facilitating thorough policy development and monitoring.
21 See http://www.redefiningprogress.org/newprograms/sustIndi/gpi/index.shtml
22 Daly, H and J B Cobb (1989), For the common good: Redirecting the economy toward the community, the environment and a sustainable future, Beacon Press, Boston
The 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership coordinates efforts related to biodiversity indicators, as outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, both established in 2002 For more details, visit their official website at www.twentyten.net.
24 See IAEA et al (2005), Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies
Headline indicators play a crucial role in tourism sustainability by attracting media attention and raising public awareness, but they risk being influenced by current political priorities instead of focusing on significant issues that impact future sustainability When utilized effectively, these indicators can enhance educational materials for both primary and secondary education.
VI Description of CSD Indicators of Sustainable Development
This chapter provides a concise overview of all CSD indicators, with comprehensive details available in the methodology sheets on the accompanying CD-Rom and online at the official UN website.
Poverty
PROPORTION OF POPULATION LIVING BELOW NATIONAL
Sub-theme: Income poverty Core indicator
The poverty rate refers to the percentage of the population living below the national government's defined poverty line These national estimates are calculated using population-weighted subgroup data obtained from household surveys.
The national poverty rate, a key indicator of income poverty, serves as a standard measure to assess progress in poverty alleviation, which is essential for sustainable development This rate is crucial for understanding living standards and focuses specifically on the impoverished population.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION BELOW $ 1 PER DAY
Brief definition: The proportion of the population having per capita con- sumption of less than $1.08 a day, measured at 1993 international prices.
The population living on less than $1 a day serves as a standardized metric for absolute poverty in developing countries, derived from nationally representative household surveys Evaluating progress in reducing absolute poverty has become a widely recognized benchmark for measuring the overall performance of developing economies.
RATIO OF shARE IN NATIONAL INcOME OF hIGhEsT TO
The income ratio compares the share of national income or consumption received by the highest 20% of the population to that of the lowest 20% This metric highlights income inequality within a society, illustrating the disparity in wealth distribution among different socioeconomic groups Understanding this ratio is crucial for analyzing economic health and addressing social equity issues.
The indicator measures income distribution inequality within a country, highlighting how disparities in income and opportunities impede human development and hinder long-term economic growth Typically, poorer individuals have diminished voice, lower income, and limited access to services compared to their wealthier counterparts Societies that promote equity and enhance opportunities for all can provide a "double dividend" for the poor Research indicates that economic growth is more effective in reducing poverty when initial income inequality is lower.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION UsING AN IMPROVED sANITATION FAcILITY
Sub-theme: Sanitation Core indicator
Access to private sanitary facilities for human excreta disposal is essential for public health, defined as the proportion of the population with such access within their dwelling or nearby Improved sanitary facilities encompass a range of options, from basic yet secure pit latrines to modern flush toilets connected to sewerage systems.
Adequate sanitation is crucial for reducing poverty and safeguarding human health and the environment Monitoring access to sanitation facilities, a vital social service, is essential for assessing progress Access to proper excreta disposal significantly lowers faecal-related health risks and the prevalence of associated diseases Additionally, analyzing this data by geographic, social, or economic factors reveals clear disparities in access and highlights existing inequities.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION UsING AN IMPROVED WATER sOURcE
Sub-theme: Drinking water Core indicator
Access to improved drinking water sources is defined as the percentage of the population that can obtain water from a reliable supply within their home or a reasonable distance from it These improved sources encompass bottled water, rainwater, protected boreholes, springs, wells, public standpipes, and piped connections to residences.
Adequate sanitation is essential for alleviating poverty and safeguarding human health and the environment Monitoring access to improved water sources is crucial, as it significantly reduces the risk of fecal contamination and associated diseases This access serves as a universal indicator of human development Furthermore, analyzing this data by geographic, social, or economic factors reveals clear evidence of disparities among different populations.
Sub-theme: Access to energy Core indicator
The article discusses the percentage of households lacking electricity access and those relying on traditional non-commercial energy sources, such as fuelwood, crop residues, and dung, for cooking and heating This highlights the reliance on outdated energy options and the challenges faced by these households in achieving modern energy access.
The indicator tracks the accessibility and affordability of modern energy services, particularly electricity, which is crucial for delivering basic social services Insufficient access to these energy services exacerbates poverty and hinders economic growth Moreover, ensuring that energy services are adequate, affordable, and reliable is vital for promoting sustainable economic and human development.
PERcENTAGE OF POPULATION UsING sOLID FUELs FOR cOOKING Sub-theme: Access to energy
The percentage of the population relying on solid fuels for cooking refers to the use of biomass fuels, including wood, charcoal, agricultural waste, dung, shrubs, straw, and coal.
The indicator addresses various sustainable development issues, notably highlighting that the use of solid fuels in households serves as a proxy for indoor air pollution This pollution is linked to higher mortality rates from pneumonia and acute lower respiratory infections in children, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer in adults, particularly where coal is utilized Additionally, the high demand for biomass fuels to satisfy household energy needs can lead to deforestation and land degradation Furthermore, the indicator assesses access to modern energy services, which is essential for poverty alleviation and overall sustainable development.
PROPORTION OF URBAN POPULATION LIVING IN sLUMs
Sub-theme: Living conditions Core indicator
The urban population lacking adequate housing conditions is defined by the absence of at least one of the following five criteria: access to improved water, access to improved sanitation facilities, sufficient living space without overcrowding, durable structural quality of dwellings, and security of tenure.
The adequacy of shelter is a crucial indicator reflecting living conditions, where issues like overcrowding, inadequate housing, and lack of water and sanitation highlight poverty These factors violate human rights, pose health risks, and hinder future development An increase in this indicator signals worsening urban living conditions, while breaking it down by housing type provides deeper insights into the severity of inadequate living situations.
Governance
PERcENTAGE OF POPULATION hAVING PAID BRIBEs
Sub-theme: Corruption Core indicator
Brief definition: Percentage of population having been asked or having complied to expectation by government officials to pay a bribe for his or her services.
The indicator assesses the prevalence of corruption among government officials through crime surveys, with a decline in this indicator signaling progress in governance Effective governance is crucial for achieving sustainable development.
NUMBER OF REcORDED INTENTIONAL hOMIcIDEs PER 100,000 POPULATION
Sub-theme: Crime Core indicator
The intentional homicide rate is defined as the total number of recorded homicides in police statistics Countries with reliable crime data may consider broadening this indicator to encompass additional violent crimes, including assault, rape, and robbery, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of criminal activity.
The indicator tracks the progression of intentional homicides over time, highlighting their detrimental effects on sustainable development Intentional homicides and violent crimes severely undermine human dignity, foster a pervasive climate of fear, and diminish overall quality of life Additionally, this indicator serves as a gauge for the adherence to the rule of law, which is a crucial element of effective governance.
Health
Sub-theme: Mortality Core indicator
Brief definition: Under-five mortality rate refers to the probability of dying before age 5 It is expressed as deaths per 1,000 live births.
The under-five mortality rate is a critical indicator that reflects the risk of death during infancy and early childhood, particularly in high-mortality regions where a significant number of deaths occur before age five This rate is influenced by various factors, including the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services, maternal education, access to safe water and sanitation, as well as poverty and nutrition.
Sub-theme: Mortality Core indicator
Life expectancy is defined as the average number of years a newborn is expected to live, assuming they experience the age-specific death rates of a particular time period.
Life expectancy at birth is a vital indicator that reflects the average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current age-specific mortality risks This metric serves as a proxy for overall mortality and health conditions within a population Healthy life expectancy at birth further emphasizes the quality of life, highlighting the years a newborn can expect to live in good health.
The average equivalent number of years a newborn can expect to live in full health is determined by the age-specific death and ill-health rates during a specific period This measure provides insight into the overall health and longevity prospects for individuals born in that timeframe.
Healthy life expectancy (HALE) serves as a comprehensive indicator of a population's overall health, reflecting both fatal and non-fatal health outcomes This measure offers a deeper understanding of how morbidity and mortality affect communities, making it a crucial aspect of developmental assessments, beyond what life expectancy alone can provide.
PERcENT OF POPULATION WITh AccEss TO PRIMARY hEALTh cARE FAcILITIEs
Sub-theme: Health care delivery Core indicator
Access to primary health care facilities refers to the percentage of the population that can utilize essential health services Primary health care is characterized by its affordability for both the country and the community, employing practical, scientifically validated, and socially acceptable methods to ensure health care accessibility.
The indicator assesses the population's access to primary health care, emphasizing that accessibility encompasses not only physical availability but also economic, social, and cultural factors This comprehensive approach is crucial for evaluating health system progress, promoting equity, and advancing sustainable development.
IMMUNIzATION AGAINsT INFEcTIOUs chILDhOOD DIsEAsEs
The core indicator for health care delivery measures the percentage of the eligible population that has been immunized in accordance with national immunization policies This definition encompasses three key components: first, the proportion of children immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B before their first birthday; second, the proportion of children immunized against yellow fever in at-risk countries in Africa; and third, the proportion of women of child-bearing age who have received tetanus vaccinations.
This indicator tracks the effectiveness of immunization programs, which are crucial for lowering morbidity and mortality rates associated with major childhood infectious diseases Effective management of these programs plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals.
Sub-theme: Health care delivery
The contraceptive prevalence rate is defined as the percentage of women aged 15-49 who are using any form of contraception at a specific time This metric is typically calculated for women who are married or in a union, but it can also be assessed for all women of reproductive age who are at risk of pregnancy.
Contraceptive prevalence measures couples' efforts and abilities to manage their fertility, serving as a key indicator of access to reproductive health services, which are vital for primary health care Effective reproductive health programs, including family planning, drive demographic behavior changes that influence sustainability and development The health advantages of contraceptive use encompass the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, which in turn reduces the need for induced abortions and minimizes the risks of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality.
Sub-theme: Nutritional status Core indicator
The percentage of underweight children under five years of age is defined as those with weight-for-age measurements below -2 standard deviations (SD) of the WHO Child Growth Standards median Similarly, stunting, which refers to height-for-age below -2 SD of the WHO standards, is also assessed in this age group Additionally, the percentage of overweight children under five is determined by weight-for-height measurements exceeding +2 SD of the WHO Child Growth Standards median.
This indicator aims to evaluate long-term nutritional imbalances and malnutrition, focusing on undernutrition, which is indicated by underweight and stunting, as well as overweight conditions Anthropometric measurements are essential for assessing growth and development, especially in young children, and serve as the most commonly utilized indicators of nutritional status within a community.
MORBIDITY OF MAjOR DIsEAsEs sUch As hIV/AIDs, MALARIA, TUBERcULOsIs
Sub-theme: Health status and risks Core indicator Brief definition: Prevalence and/or incidence of major diseases such as
HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis The indicator is measured separately for relevant major diseases, typically in cases per 100,000 people.
The indicator assesses the morbidity linked to major diseases, highlighting that the achievement of sustainable development goals is hindered by the prevalence of debilitating illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, particularly in developing nations Additionally, it serves to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at combating these diseases, making the measurement of death rates over an extended period crucial for understanding progress in public health initiatives.
Sub-theme: Health status and risks
The smoking prevalence indicator measures the percentage of individuals aged 15 and older who smoke tobacco daily This statistic is derived from responses collected through nationally representative individual or household surveys.
Education
GROss INTAKE RATE INTO LAsT YEAR OF PRIMARY EDUcATION
Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator
The Primary Completion Rate is defined as the percentage of new entrants in the final grade of primary education, regardless of their age, in relation to the population of the theoretical entrance age for that grade.
The indicator assesses access to education for the entire eligible school-age population and their completion of the full primary cycle, highlighting the significance of universal primary education as a key objective in the international sustainable development agenda Education empowers individuals and societies to realize their full potential, playing a vital role in fostering sustainable development and enhancing people's ability to tackle environmental and developmental challenges.
NET ENROLMENT RATE IN PRIMARY EDUcATION
Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator
The indicator measures the enrollment ratio of children of official school age in primary school compared to the total population of children within that age group, as defined by the national education system.
The indicator measures the percentage of children of official primary school age who are enrolled in primary school, focusing solely on this age group It excludes younger or older children enrolled in primary education and those of primary age attending other educational levels Achieving universal primary education is a key objective within the global sustainable development framework.
ADULT sEcONDARY (TERTIARY) schOOLING ATTAINMENT LEVEL
Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator
Adult Secondary Schooling Attainment Level refers to the percentage of individuals aged 25 to 64 who have completed at least upper secondary education In contrast, Adult Tertiary Schooling Attainment Level indicates the proportion of the same age group that has achieved tertiary education.
64 years) which has completed at least the first stage tertiary education
These indicators assess the quality of human capital among the adult working-age population Individuals who have completed upper secondary education typically possess a sufficient skill set relevant to the labor market or have shown the capability to acquire these essential skills.
Brief definition: Percentage of the population aged 25 to 64 in education or training
The indicator assesses the engagement of the working-age population in learning activities, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning for sustainable development As society transitions to sustainable production and consumption, there is a growing need for workers and citizens to embrace new technologies and organizational methods, as well as adopt progressive attitudes and behaviors The quality and scale of human resources play a crucial role in both the creation and dissemination of new knowledge.
Sub-theme: Literacy Core indicator
Brief definition: The proportion of the adult population aged 15 years and over that is literate
This indicator measures the number of literate adults who can utilize written language in daily life and pursue further learning, highlighting the success of educational initiatives in promoting literacy A deficiency in literacy rates signals the need for targeted efforts to reach the remaining illiterate adult population.
Demographics
Sub-theme: Population change Core indicator
Brief definition: The average annual rate of change of population size dur- ing a specified period It is often reported separately for urban and rural areas
The population growth rate indicates how quickly a population is changing, and when analyzed separately for urban and rural areas, it reflects the level of urbanization The rapid increase in urban populations, driven by natural growth in cities, migration from rural regions, and the urbanization of rural settlements, raises concerns in various countries In areas lacking sustainable agricultural and rural development practices, high rural population growth can adversely impact the management of land, water, air, energy, and other vital resources.
The total fertility rate (TFR) represents the average number of live births a cohort of women would have by the end of their reproductive years, based on the age-specific fertility rates during a specific period, assuming no mortality This metric is expressed as the number of children per woman and can be broken down into various age-specific fertility rates.
Fertility plays a crucial role in shaping population dynamics, with lower fertility rates enabling families and governments to utilize limited resources more effectively, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and foster sustainable development However, nations with below-replacement fertility rates (under 2.1 children per woman) may encounter challenges such as rapid population aging and declining population size Additionally, adolescent fertility, defined as births to women under 20, remains a significant concern, particularly in regions with high fertility rates, as early childbearing increases the risk of maternal mortality and leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates among their children.
Sub-theme: Population change Core indicator
Brief definition: The dependency ratio relates the number of children (0-
14 years old) and older persons (65 years or over) to the working-age popula- tion (15-64 years old).
Dependency ratios reflect the potential impact of shifts in population age structures on social and economic development, particularly concerning social support needs A high dependency ratio suggests that the economically active population may experience increased pressure in supporting both the young and elderly dependent populations This ratio is typically divided into two categories: the child dependency ratio and the old-age dependency ratio.
RATIO OF LOcAL REsIDENTs TO TOURIsTs IN MAjOR TOURIsT
Visitor density is defined as the ratio of visitors, including tourists and same-day visitors, to the local population in tourist regions and destinations This metric can be reported annually or specifically for peak seasons and days, providing insights into the impact of tourism on local communities.
The tourism ratio highlights the total and seasonal pressures on the environmental and social resources of host regions While tourism is a vital source of income and employment for many destinations, it can significantly strain the environmental and socio-cultural assets of local populations, particularly during peak seasons To prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of tourism, it is essential to implement effective planning, management, and monitoring of tourism activities, adhering to integrated approaches and sustainability principles.
Natural hazards
PERcENTAGE OF POPULATION LIVING IN hAzARD PRONE AREAs Sub-theme: Vulnerability to natural hazards Core indicator
The percentage of a nation's population living in areas at significant risk from major hazards such as cyclones, droughts, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides is a critical indicator This metric can be calculated for each specific hazard, highlighting the relationship between physical exposure and vulnerability to natural disasters By analyzing historical data and assessing vulnerability, this indicator measures risk at a sub-national level, which is then aggregated to determine national risk values.
This indicator enhances the understanding of a country's vulnerability to natural hazards, promoting sustainable risk reduction initiatives to avert disasters A higher vulnerability indicates greater exposure to natural catastrophes without effective disaster mitigation strategies The adverse effects of disasters stemming from this vulnerability significantly hinder the development process in both industrialized and developing nations.
Sub-theme: Disaster preparedness and response
Natural disaster impact is measured by the number of individuals who are deceased, missing, or injured, as well as the economic and infrastructure losses incurred This indicator reflects the human toll as a percentage of the total population and economic losses as a percentage of GDP, providing a clear understanding of a disaster's severity and its effects on society and the economy.
The indicator assesses the human and economic consequences of disasters, highlighting that natural hazards can cause severe short- and long-term effects on a nation's society and economy, ultimately hindering sustainable development efforts.
Atmosphere
Sub-theme: Climate change Core indicator
Anthropogenic emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere due to human activities, with limited removal by natural sinks These emissions can be analyzed by sector, including energy, industrial processes, agriculture, waste management, and land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) Understanding sectoral CO2 emissions and removals is crucial for addressing climate change and developing effective mitigation strategies.
This indicator tracks carbon dioxide emissions, the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas affecting global warming A doubling of atmospheric CO2 levels is projected to raise the global mean temperature by 1.5 to 4.5°C, leading to severe adverse effects on economic, social, and environmental conditions worldwide.
Anthropogenic emissions refer to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which occur at a rate higher than their removal by natural sinks The emissions of CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 can be expressed in terms of CO2 equivalents by utilizing the global warming potentials (GWPs) outlined in assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Description: This indicator measures the emissions of the six main GHGs which have a direct impact on climate change, less the removal of the main
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2 from land-use change and forestry activities, significantly contribute to global warming, posing a major challenge to sustainable development Countries that have pledged to reduce or stabilize their GHG emissions under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change can use this indicator to assess their progress in meeting these global commitments Additionally, the consumption of ozone-depleting substances remains a critical environmental concern.
The Ozone Layer Depletion Core Indicator tracks the consumption trends of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) regulated by the Montreal Protocol This indicator provides insights into the effectiveness of the protocol by reflecting the quantities of ODSs being phased out, thereby contributing to the protection of the ozone layer.
This indicator measures the progress of countries that have ratified the Montreal Protocol in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) The successful elimination of ODSs and their replacement with safer alternatives will contribute to the recovery of the ozone layer, which is crucial for protecting human health, wildlife, plants, microorganisms, marine ecosystems, materials, biogeochemical cycles, and air quality.
AMBIENT cONcENTRATION OF AIR POLLUTANTs IN URBAN AREAs
Sub-theme: Air quality Core indicator
Ambient air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, including ozone, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead Additional pollutants encompass carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene Monitoring these pollutants is particularly crucial in large urban areas to assess air quality and protect public health.
The indicator assesses air quality and serves as an indirect measure of urban population exposure to health-related air pollution Enhancing air quality is crucial for fostering sustainable human settlements.
Land
Sub-theme: Land use and status
The land use indicator tracks the shifts in land distribution across various categories within a country over time Key categories include arable land, permanent cropland, permanent pasture, forests and woodlands, built-up areas, and other uses More specific classifications may be utilized when relevant and accessible.
The indicator offers insights into shifts in land use, essential for sustainable land use planning and policy development This information helps identify opportunities to safeguard existing land uses and promote future allocations that maximize sustainable benefits for communities Economically, alterations in land use can affect agricultural productivity and job opportunities Environmentally, unsustainable land use significantly contributes to land degradation, threatens ecosystems, and results in the loss of natural habitats and changes to landscapes.
Sub-theme: Land use and status
Degraded land refers to areas that can no longer effectively support economic activities or their original ecological functions due to natural processes or human actions This includes land impacted by soil erosion, a decline in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, as well as a long-term loss of natural vegetation.
The indicator assesses land degradation, a significant barrier to sustainable development and agriculture, particularly in developing countries It highlights how land degradation contributes to poverty and exacerbates environmental harm through the overexploitation of natural resources Additionally, this indicator serves as a comprehensive measure of the decline in land resource quality.
LAND AREA AFFEcTED BY DEsERTIFIcATION
Desertification refers to the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions, impacting the proportion of land affected in drylands This phenomenon is driven by a combination of climatic variations and human activities, leading to significant environmental challenges.
Desertification poses a significant challenge to sustainable development, particularly in dryland regions where maintaining productivity is crucial for the livelihoods of millions This indicator highlights the severity of desertification at a national level, emphasizing its impact on ecosystems that, despite their low absolute productivity, are vital for the well-being of countless communities Therefore, addressing desertification is essential for achieving sustainable development goals globally.
ARABLE AND PERMANENT cROP LAND AREA
Sub-theme: Agriculture Core indicator
Arable and permanent crop land encompasses both arable land and land under permanent crops Arable land includes areas dedicated to temporary crops, temporary meadows for mowing or grazing, market and kitchen gardens, and land that is temporarily fallow for less than five years In contrast, land under permanent crops consists of areas cultivated with crops that remain in place for extended periods and do not require replanting after each harvest.
This indicator measures the land available for agricultural production, including cropland for food In many developing countries, increasing demand for food and fiber, coupled with shrinking farm sizes, compels small farmers to cultivate fragile, unsuitable areas While crop intensification has significantly boosted agricultural growth, the farming practices aimed at increasing yields can sometimes harm the environment Thus, this indicator plays a crucial role in land planning and decision-making.
The indicator evaluates the recovery of fertilizer use in agriculture for each crop unit by converting the quantities of fertilizers applied into three essential nutrient components: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) These components are aggregated based on the standardized chemical composition of crops and their by-products.
This indicator highlights the environmental risks associated with improper fertilizer use, emphasizing that excessive application can cause nutrient runoff, resulting in water body eutrophication, soil acidification, and possible nitrate contamination of water supplies.
In response to rising food demand and limited agricultural land, many countries are intensifying agricultural production It is crucial that this intensification minimizes negative impacts on natural resources and the broader environment to ensure the sustainability of agricultural systems.
Brief definition: Use of pesticides in metric tons of active ingredients per unit of agricultural land area.
This indicator assesses pesticide usage in agriculture, highlighting its connection to agricultural intensification While pesticides can enhance crop yields, they also present significant health and environmental risks These chemicals often accumulate in soil and living organisms, with residues potentially contaminating surface and groundwater through leaching Additionally, humans may be exposed to pesticides via food consumption.
Organic farming is defined as the ratio of the total utilized agricultural area dedicated to organic practices compared to the overall utilized agricultural area This approach focuses on holistic production management systems for both crops and livestock, prioritizing management practices over off-farm inputs Additionally, this indicator can be expanded to include organic forestry and aquaculture.
Organic farming plays a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact on soil and water resources while supporting biodiversity By reducing reliance on pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals, organic practices enhance natural resource management, leading to healthier ecosystems This approach not only promotes the well-being of animals and humans but also boosts income generation and fosters self-reliance within communities.
PROPORTION OF LAND AREA cOVERED BY FOREsTs
Sub-theme: Forests Core indicator
The forest area indicator quantifies the proportion of forested land relative to total land area, ideally including data on primary forests Forests are defined as land exceeding 0.5 hectares with trees taller than 5 meters and a canopy cover of over 10% This indicator can differentiate between primary forests, which are naturally regenerating ecosystems composed of native species, and other types of forests, with primary areas showing no clear signs of human intervention and minimal disruption to ecological processes.
Freshwater
PROPORTION OF TOTAL WATER REsOURcEs UsED
Sub-theme: Water quantity Core indicator
Water withdrawal refers to the total annual volume of groundwater and surface water extracted for human use across agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors This volume is expressed as a percentage of the total renewable water resources available annually through the hydrological cycle, highlighting the relationship between water resources and freshwater use.
The indicator assesses the extent of exploitation of total renewable water resources to satisfy national water demands, serving as a crucial measure of water scarcity Insufficient water availability can adversely impact sustainability, hinder economic and regional growth, and contribute to biodiversity loss This metric is vital for understanding a country's susceptibility to water shortages.
WATER UsE INTENsITY BY EcONOMIc AcTIVITY
Sub-theme: Water quantity Core indicator
The indicator measures the cubic metres of water consumed per unit of value added (in US $) by economic activity It includes both water directly extracted from the environment for personal use and water sourced from other industries, including reused water Value added, as defined in National Accounts, represents the output value minus the cost of intermediate consumption.
This indicator assesses the intensity of water usage by measuring the volume of water consumed per unit of economic value added It reflects the economic pressure on water resources and indicates whether a country has managed to decouple water consumption from economic growth over time Additionally, this indicator offers insights into the advancements made in the implementation of integrated water resources management plans.
PREsENcE OF FAEcAL cOLIFORMs IN FREshWATER
Sub-theme: Water qualitity Core indicator
Freshwater resources intended for potable supply may contain faecal coliform concentrations that exceed the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
The indicator evaluates the microbial quality of water essential for communities, pinpointing areas where contamination from human and animal waste threatens health Diarrhoeal diseases, primarily stemming from faecal contamination of drinking water, significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in developing countries, particularly affecting children Frequent episodes of diarrhoea, even if not fatal, hinder children's development and education, potentially leading to severe long-term impacts on sustainable development.
BIOLOGIcAL OxYGEN DEMAND (BOD) IN WATER BODIEs
Brief definition: BOD measures the amount of oxygen required or con- sumed for the microbiological decomposition (oxidation) of organic material in water.
This indicator evaluates the quality of water available to communities for both basic and commercial needs, serving as a key measure of ecosystem health Elevated levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) can signal fecal contamination and increased organic carbon from both human and animal sources, which may hinder water usage and development, require costly treatment, and harm ecosystem health Poor water quality can lead to human health issues, diminishing work capacity and impacting children's growth and education Additionally, high oxygen consumption levels threaten various aquatic organisms, including fish.
Brief definition: Proportion of wastewater that is treated, in order to reduce pollutants before being discharged to the environment, by level of treatment (primary, secondary or tertiary).
This indicator evaluates the potential pollution levels from domestic and industrial sources entering aquatic environments, tracking progress in reducing this pollution within integrated water resources management It highlights communities in need of wastewater treatment interventions to safeguard ecosystems Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater can lead to elevated nutrient levels, excessive organic matter, and hazardous substances, threatening both aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Biodiversity
PROPORTION OF TERREsTRIAL AREA PROTEcTED, TOTAL AND BY EcOLOGIcAL REGION
Sub-theme: Ecosystem Core indicator
The indicator measures the proportion of land designated by law or effective measures to safeguard specific portions of the terrestrial environment It can be assessed for various ecological regions and further categorized based on the management type of these protected areas.
The indicator measures the protection of vital areas that support biodiversity, cultural heritage, scientific research, recreation, and natural resource sustainability from incompatible uses It highlights the proportion of each major ecosystem dedicated to preserving its diversity and integrity Protected areas are crucial for sustaining ecosystem diversity across countries and ecological regions while managing human impacts on the environment.
MANAGENT EFFEcTIVENEss OF PROTEcTED AREAs
This indicator evaluates the effectiveness of management in protected areas by analyzing various factors, including context, planning and design, resource allocation, management processes, service delivery, and conservation outcomes.
The management effectiveness of protected areas is a crucial measure of their ability to conserve biodiversity, which is essential since many countries rely on these areas as a fundamental strategy for biodiversity conservation To evaluate the success of this approach, it is important to assess not only the extent and types of ecosystems included within these protected areas but also the effectiveness of their management practices.
AREA OF sELEcTED KEY EcOsYsTEMs
This indicator assesses the area of key ecosystems, which encompass the plants, animals, microorganisms, and physical environments of a specific location, along with their intricate interrelationships Key ecosystems are identified based on the significance of monitoring changes in their extent or the feasibility of measuring such changes.
The indicator evaluates the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation measures at the ecosystem level, serving as a vital tool for estimating the need for targeted conservation actions to preserve biological diversity in a specific country or region Key ecosystems warrant attention and tailored policy measures due to their support for rare, locally endemic, or threatened species, high species richness, unique habitats, significant reductions in area compared to their original extent, elevated threats, and considerable economic importance.
This indicator assesses the fragmentation of key habitats, focusing on forests and terrestrial ecosystems through patch size distribution derived from vegetation information systems Additionally, river fragmentation, which occurs when dams, inter-basin transfers, or water withdrawals disrupt a river's natural flow, can be evaluated by examining the number, location, and volume of water stored behind these dams.
Human activities have led to habitat fragmentation, which negatively impacts native biodiversity by reducing area, increasing edge exposure, and causing isolation This disruption interrupts ecosystem processes and contributes to ecosystem degradation Monitoring changes in species' threat status can effectively demonstrate the success of national measures aimed at conserving biological diversity.
Sub-theme: Species Core indicator
The indicator is an index that reflects the number of species within each category of the IUCN Red List, including classifications such as Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct It tracks changes in species categories between assessments, highlighting genuine improvements or deteriorations in their status This indicator is an adaptation of the IUCN Red List Index, which is widely recognized as the most reliable method for evaluating global trends in the status of threatened species.
The indicator tracks the extinction risk of species over time, highlighting the significant loss of biodiversity caused by extinct and endangered species, which is vital for sustainable development Additionally, it demonstrates the effectiveness of various protective measures implemented at local, national, regional, and global levels to safeguard endangered species.
This indicator assesses biodiversity changes by estimating population trends in selected species, reflecting the effectiveness of conservation measures It can be utilized for specific species groups, such as birds or butterflies, or aggregated across multiple taxa, similar to the Living Planet Index, depending on data availability and the indicator's applicability.
Description: The indicator allows monitoring the abundance of species over time The indicator illustrates the effectiveness of national measures designed to limit the loss in biodiversity.
ABUNDANcE OF INVAsIVE ALIEN sPEcIEs
The indicator assesses the quantity of invasive alien species present in a specific country or region Invasive alien species are organisms introduced beyond their natural range, and their establishment and proliferation can disrupt ecosystems, habitats, and native species.
Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a significant threat to biodiversity by acting as direct predators or competitors to native species, spreading diseases, altering habitats, and disrupting native species dynamics These species have been a leading cause of extinctions, particularly in island ecosystems and freshwater habitats While some introductions are intentional, such as those for hunting or biological control, the majority occur unintentionally through human activities, including trade, shipping ballast water, and the pet industry.
Economic development
GROss DOMEsTIc PRODUcT PER cAPITA
Sub-theme: Macroeconomic performance Core indicator
Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is calculated by dividing the total annual GDP at current market prices by the population An alternative measure is the growth of real GDP per capita, which reflects the annual growth rate of GDP in constant prices, adjusted for the population GDP encompasses the total value added by all production units, including taxes and subsidies on products that are not reflected in output valuation.
The indicator serves as a fundamental measure of economic growth, assessing the level and extent of total economic output It captures fluctuations in the overall production of goods and services, acting as a robust summary of economic development However, it is important to note that this indicator does not factor in the social and environmental costs associated with production and consumption.
INVEsTMENT shARE IN GROss DOMEsTIc PRODUcT
Sub-theme: Macroeconomic performance Core indicator
The investment share of total production is measured by gross capital formation as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) Gross capital formation encompasses the total value of gross fixed capital formation, which includes produced assets utilized in production for over a year, along with changes in inventories and acquisitions, minus the disposal of valuables.
The investment ratio serves as a crucial indicator of the significance of investment compared to consumption By tracking acquisitions of capital goods, it offers valuable insights into a society's future economic performance, as these investments enhance and expand the capital stock This measure is particularly vital for sustainable development, especially in developing countries that possess limited productive capital.
Gross disposable income, a key indicator in national accounts, is defined as gross national income plus the balance of current transfers with the rest of the world An alternative measure, net savings—which accounts for gross savings minus capital depreciation—may offer more insightful information Both gross and net savings can be represented as rates, calculated by dividing gross or net savings by gross or net disposable income.
The indicator assesses the portion of income that can be allocated for investment or capital transfers abroad, offering crucial insights into domestic implementation methods for sustainable development When calculated as net savings, it serves as a vital measure of future net wealth.
ADjUsTED NET sAVINGs As PERcENTAGE OF GNI
Adjusted net savings is a key economic indicator that measures a country's net savings by taking gross national income, subtracting capital depreciation, and adding current transfers with the rest of the world It also factors in expenditures for education, while deducting the depletion of natural resources, such as oil, minerals, and forests, along with the costs associated with pollution damage from urban air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions This comprehensive measure is expressed as a ratio of adjusted net savings to gross national income.
The indicator enhances traditional net savings to create a comprehensive savings concept aligned with sustainable development A negative adjusted net savings rate signals a decline in the economy's total wealth, indicating unsustainability Additionally, education expenditures are included, as they represent crucial investments in human capital.
The depletion of natural resources leads to a decrease in asset values linked to their extraction and harvesting Additionally, pollution damages are accounted for, as they negatively impact both human and real capital.
The cost of living is defined as the annual percentage increase in the consumer price index (CPI), which reflects the prices of a representative basket of goods and services purchased by consumers This basket's composition and the relative weights assigned to its items are periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy in measuring inflation and living costs.
The inflation indicator is crucial for assessing economic health, as excessively high inflation can hinder growth and create uncertainty Unanticipated inflation can lead to misallocation of resources and adversely affect fixed-income earners by diminishing their real income, while simultaneously redistributing wealth from creditors to debtors Furthermore, soaring inflation rates may result from excessive public debt financing through seignorage, signaling potential unsustainability in public finances.
DEBT TO GROss NATIONAL INcOME RATIO
Sub-theme: Sustainable public finance Core indicator
The indicator measures the total outstanding debt of the general government relative to the gross national income (GNI), encompassing both external debt (held by non-residents) and internal debt (held by residents) In nations where external debt poses significant challenges, this metric may also be represented as the total external debt, including both private and public sectors, divided by GNI.
Public debt is a crucial indicator of public finance, representing a significant burden for future generations by limiting their consumption and investment opportunities Rising debt ratios may signal unsustainable public finances, while external debt serves as a measure of the burden of servicing this debt relative to a country's total income (GNI) Although external borrowing can help bridge the investment gap and supplement savings, an unsustainable external debt burden can hinder development.
Sub-theme: Employment Core indicator
The employment-to-population ratio measures the percentage of a country's working-age population that is currently employed, often analyzed by gender and age group for more detailed insights.
The employment-to-population ratio is a key indicator of an economy's capacity to generate jobs, highlighting the proportion of the labor force that is employed rather than unemployed This ratio is particularly significant when analyzed by gender, as it reveals disparities in labor market participation between men and women within a country Additionally, understanding the employment-to-population ratios among youth and older adults is crucial for effective policy-making, as it addresses the employment challenges faced by these specific age groups.
Global economic partnership
cURRENT AccOUNT DEFIcIT As PERcENTAGE OF GDP
Sub-theme: Trade Core indicator
The current account balance, a key economic indicator, is calculated by dividing the current account by the gross domestic product (GDP) It reflects financial transactions of economic significance between residents and non-residents within an economy, as outlined in the 5th edition of the balance of payments manual The current account encompasses three main components: the balance of trade in goods and services, the balance of income—which includes compensation for employees working abroad and income from foreign investments—and current transfers, such as workers' remittances and government transfers.
The current account balance is a key indicator of an economy's savings, reflecting the net foreign investment or net lending/borrowing position relative to the rest of the world Persistent deficits or surpluses in the current account signal macroeconomic instability, which hampers sustainable economic growth and the implementation of sustainable development goals A current account deficit must be financed by increasing financial and non-financial liabilities or depleting reserve assets, and repaying these liabilities can limit future resources available for consumption and investment.
The indicator measures the proportion of merchandise imports from least-developed countries (LDCs) and other developing nations relative to the total imports of the reporting countries within a specific year.
Trade is crucial for sustainable development, particularly for developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs), as their exports serve as a significant source of external financing For developed countries, this trade serves as an indicator of the importance of North-South trade, while for developing nations, it reflects the dynamics of South-South trade Additionally, this indicator sheds light on the progress made in fulfilling international commitments aimed at enhancing trade opportunities for developing countries.
AVERAGE TARIFF BARRIERs IMPOsED ON ExPORTs FROM
The indicator represents the average tariff that a country imposes on exports from least-developed countries (LDCs) and other developing nations It can be broken down by product groups, with the simple average tariff calculated as the unweighted mean of the effectively applied rates at the most detailed tariff line level Additionally, trade-weighted averages can also be utilized to derive this indicator.
Trade is crucial for sustainable development, but tariff barriers on exports from developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) can impede their progress When compared to tariffs on exports from developed nations, these barriers highlight whether a country's tariff structure aligns with fair trade principles Given that many developing countries and LDCs have a limited range of exported goods, this analysis can be further refined by categorizing tariffs into specific product groups.
NET OFFIcIAL DEVELOPMENT AssIsTANcE GIVEN OR REcEIVED As PERcENTAGE OF GROss NATIONAL INcOME
Sub-theme: External financing Core indicator
Official Development Assistance (ODA) is defined as the total aid given or received as a percentage of a country's Gross National Income (GNI), excluding the repayment of principal For donor countries, ODA includes bilateral concessional funds allocated to developing nations and multilateral institutions Conversely, when assessing ODA received by developing countries, it encompasses concessional finance disbursed from both bilateral and multilateral sources, consisting of grants and concessional loans.
The indicator measures the size of concessional flows aimed at promoting development and welfare in developing countries Official Development Assistance (ODA) is a crucial external resource for sustainable development in these nations For donor countries, this indicator reflects their commitment to the international target of allocating at least 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) to ODA Meanwhile, for developing countries, it highlights the role of foreign aid in supporting sustainable development and underscores their dependency on such assistance.
FOREIGN DIREcT INVEsTMENT (FDI) NET INFLOWs AND NET
OUTFLOWs As PERcENTAGE OF GDP
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is defined as the percentage of net inflows and outflows of FDI relative to a country's GDP It represents investments made to gain lasting interest or control over enterprises outside the investor's economy FDI figures include reinvested earnings and intra-company loans, adjusted for capital repatriation and loan repayments.
The indicator reflects the availability of external financing through foreign direct investments (FDI) from both domestic and international investors For many developing nations, FDI inflows serve as a crucial and stable source of external funding, significantly aiding in the achievement of sustainable development goals Additionally, FDI often facilitates the transfer of technology and management expertise On the other hand, FDI outflows can enhance sustainable development in recipient countries A consistent rise in FDI inflows typically indicates a more favorable investment environment.
REMITTANcEs As PERcENTAGE OF GNI
The indicator measures the total current private transfers received by residents in a country, along with compensation of employees earned by nonresident workers and migrants’ transfers, all divided by the Gross National Income (GNI).
This indicator measures the financial benefits a country receives from its residents working abroad, both temporarily and permanently Remittances have become a significant and stable source of external financing for many nations, playing a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals Over the past decade, the importance of remittances has surged due to heightened globalization.
Consumption and production patterns
MATERIAL INTENsITY OF ThE EcONOMY
Sub-theme: Material consumption Core indicator
The indicator is defined as the ratio of Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices DMC represents the total weight of materials directly utilized in the economy, which includes domestic extraction and imports, minus the materials that are exported.
The indicator serves as a foundation for policies aimed at decoupling economic growth from natural resource use, thereby mitigating environmental degradation caused by primary production, material processing, manufacturing, and waste disposal To protect the environment and conserve resources, it is crucial to reduce the material intensity of goods and services This can be accomplished through more efficient utilization of natural resources, recycling of used and waste materials, and promoting shifts in consumption towards less material-intensive products and services.
Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) refers to the total weight of materials utilized within an economy, which includes domestic extraction and imports, while excluding exported materials This concept encompasses various types of materials, such as minerals, biomass, and fossil fuels.
The DMC indicator is essential for evaluating resource utilization, as it highlights the environmental impacts associated with the primary production, processing, and disposal of raw materials By assessing the absolute level of resource use, DMC serves as a foundation for developing policies aimed at enhancing the efficient use of raw materials, ultimately leading to the conservation of natural resources and a reduction in environmental degradation caused by extraction, processing, manufacturing, and waste disposal activities.
ANNUAL ENERGY cONsUMPTION, TOTAL AND BY MAIN UsER cATEGORY
Sub-theme: Energy Core indicator
The indicator measures total energy consumption within the economy, expressed in tonnes of oil equivalents It encompasses both total primary energy supply and total final consumption, and can be categorized by main user groups.
The indicator assesses energy consumption levels and patterns across the economy and various sectors, highlighting energy's crucial role in economic development and enhancing quality of life While energy is essential for progress, its production and consumption contribute to significant environmental challenges, including resource depletion and pollution Understanding the share of renewable energy sources in total energy use is vital for promoting sustainable practices and reducing ecological impact.
Renewable energy refers to the portion of total primary energy supply or energy consumption derived from renewable sources These sources are categorized into non-combustible renewables, such as geothermal, hydro, solar, wind, and tidal energy, and combustible renewables and waste, which include biomass, animal products, and various types of waste In contrast, non-renewable energy sources encompass fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, and natural gas, as well as nuclear energy.
Promoting renewable energy, especially electricity, is crucial for sustainable development due to its ability to enhance energy security and diversify energy supply It mitigates environmental degradation associated with non-renewable sources, helps combat climate change, and conserves natural resources.
INTENsITY OF ENERGY UsE, TOTAL AND BY EcONOMIc AcTIVITY Sub-theme: Energy
The energy use indicator measures the total energy consumption of an economy, as well as that of its primary sectors, relative to the gross domestic product (GDP) or the value added by specific sectors This metric provides insights into the efficiency of energy utilization in relation to economic output.
Declining energy use trends relative to GDP suggest that the economy is enhancing its energy efficiency, allowing for economic growth to occur independently of energy consumption This improvement in energy efficiency not only bolsters energy security but also alleviates the environmental pressures associated with economic activities.
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management Core indicator
Hazardous waste generation refers to the total quantity of harmful waste produced annually from industrial processes and other activities, as defined by the Basel Convention and related agreements.
The indicator measures the level and type of industrialization in a country, focusing on the technologies and processes that produce hazardous wastes The generation of these wastes directly affects health and the environment, with harmful effects often requiring long-term exposure to manifest A decrease in hazardous waste generation may suggest reduced industrial activity, the adoption of cleaner production methods, shifts in consumer behavior, or changes in national hazardous waste legislation.
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management
The total waste generated by various key industries or economic sectors, encompassing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, is quantified per capita and per unit of value added (in US dollars) based on economic activities at constant prices.
The article highlights the increasing trend of waste production from various human activities, emphasizing that waste results in significant resource loss, including materials and energy It also notes that the treatment and disposal of this waste can lead to environmental pollution, posing risks to human health through exposure to harmful substances and bacteria Additionally, the analysis of waste generated per unit of value-added indicates whether there is a decoupling of waste generation from economic growth.
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management
Brief definition: Percentage of waste which is recycled; composted; incin- erated; and landfilled on a controlled site.
Description: The indicator measures the proportion of waste generated which is recycled, composted, incinerated, or landfilled on a controlled site
Effective waste management is crucial for minimizing environmental impact, as it addresses both ecological and social concerns while posing economic challenges for industries, municipalities, and households By increasing the rates of recycling and composting, we can lessen the demand for raw materials, which in turn reduces resource extraction Additionally, recycling initiatives can provide economic opportunities for the urban poor, fostering income generation within communities.
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management