Title: Information at the interface between supply and demand for indicators: the use of a model with estimated parameter values as a base for indication in multicriteria analyses

Authors: Francis Laloe

Addresses: UMR C3ED (IRD-UVSQ) IRD, BP 64501 F-34 394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France

Abstract: An indicator must be defined according to at least three points of view. It must be a parameter of a model according to which the objective of the decision can be represented; it must be an argument of a decision function; and it must be estimable through a function of available data. The whole set of estimates of the parameters of a model is a multidimensional statistic, i.e. a set of functions of available data. This statistic is often seen as a list of indicators; it can also be considered as a set for indication that may replace the original data set for any further purpose of indication. Using as a case study the Senegalese artisanal fishery, an illustration is given with several control variables in the context of a multicriteria objective dealing with biomass levels, incomes and nominal activity. These results may be useful for decision making if they are considered as a step in the context of dialogue(s) between actors involved in the fisheries system.

Keywords: estimates; indicators; joint resource exploitation; exploitation dynamics model; multicriteria analysis; set for indication; Senegal; fisheries; biomass levels; incomes; nominal activity; sustainable development; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSD.2007.014412

International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.10 No.1/2, pp.33 - 45

Published online: 05 Jul 2007 *

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