Indicators are measures that quantify or qualify a specific criterion. Indicators can be remeasured at intervals to track changes in environmental, economic and social conditions. Finally, the entire suite of indicators is to be taken into consideration when evaluating sustainability. The first five criteria have indicators that are easy to quantify and include measures that we are most familiar with, like area of forestland and numbers of threatened and endangered species. Criteria 6 and 7 generally contain more indicators that are measured qualitatively.
Indicators are more than just data.
Indicators are data analyzed and presented in a context that conveys meaning. The significance of an indicator should be readily apparent, and the indicator should simplify information about complex phenomena to improve communication. The implication of the international list is that all countries would strive to measure all indicators and not pick and choose among them. Sustainable Forest Management Initiative in the Northeastern Area Sustainability had been one of the key themes in the Northeastern Area s Strategic Plan 1995-1999, which was developed when sustainability was really an emerging issue. Now the issue has emerged and we are trying to be more proactive than reactive in dealing with it.