Decision Making for Sustainable Use and Development - Coastal Lagoons: Ecosystem Processes and Modeling for Sustainable Use and Development - page 332

for an assessment of existing and desired information and constraints as well as an
analysis of the costs and benefits of each possible alternative choice. The accuracy of
the analysis depends upon the accuracy of the information available for the analysis.
The information and tools available to the decision maker are referred to as the
DSS ( see Figure 8.2) . The DSS therefore consists of a wide array of quantitative and
qualitative data and tools, as well as the process and structure developed to ensure
integrated and coordinated long-term decision making. A number of tools are available
to the decision maker. This topic focuses on providing these data and tools, including
models, to be used as valuable means for predicting outcomes of alternative choices.
A conceptual example of a DSS for decision making in balancing socio-economic
and NC development is presented in Vadineanu. An example of a DSS used for

management of a watershed is the Colorado River DSS by the Colorado Water Con-
servation Board and Division of Water Resources.

2,3

Other examples of applied decision-
support systems and integrated modeling are the USDA's DSS for the Integrated Pest
Management Program

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integrated model of land use and water
management. These examples demonstrate model applications and scenario analyses
based upon real data derived from the information collected as part of the project's DSS.
An underlying premise to any decision is the recognition of the interdependence
between the lagoon ecosystem and the socio-economic infrastructure that directly
and indirectly influences the ecosystem (i.e., catchment area, watershed, airshed).
This important link is the basis for any DSS with the goal of developing a long-
range integrated plan for sustainable management of lagoons. The area's socio-
economic goals should reflect sustainability of the ecological life-support system of
the lagoon. Both ecological and economic impacts should be quantified and analyzed
as thoroughly as possible in any decision.
The following sections describe a process that facilitates decision making. Each
section addresses an essential step that allows the decision maker to gather, process,
and analyze information to produce effective decisions that result in sustainable
management of a lagoon system. These sections further suggest the involvement of
the public and stakeholders wherever possible in order to maximize information
exchange and implementation success.
Decision making must be recognized as an ongoing process. Decisions that affect
the lagoon area will be made continually. The important need and goal should be
to develop a process or system that provides for informed decisions by the many
different agencies and authorities that will be making decisions in this area. This is
why an integrated, multidisciplinary plan is necessary. A plan or process that involves
as many of the decision-making authorities as possible will increase effectiveness,
consistency, and integration into the community. Decisions will continue to be made
and the process should incorporate additional information and tools through regular
evaluation of existing conditions.

and the Rousseau et al.

5 6

8.1.5 W I S M ?

HAT S USTAINABLE ANAGEMENT

As introduced in Chapters 1 and 2, sustainable management is managing to meet
present needs as well as providing for future generations to meet their own needs.

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Conceptually, it requires the awareness and consideration of the ecological system