Selection Process of Sustainable Indicators for the Algarve Region—OBSERVE Project

Fátima Farinha, Miguel José Oliveira, Elisa M. J. Silva, Rui Lança, Manuel Duarte Pinheiro and Cátia Miguel
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Fátima Farinha: CEPAC/CTA, Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Miguel José Oliveira: CEPAC/CTA, Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Elisa M. J. Silva: CEPAC/CTA, Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Rui Lança: CEPAC/CTA, Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Manuel Duarte Pinheiro: CERIS, Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources, Tecnico, Universidade Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Cátia Miguel: CERIS, Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources, Tecnico, Universidade Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: The selection of indicators for the Observatory of Sustainability of the Algarve Region for Tourism (OBSERVE), poses challenges, namely which indicators are relevant to stakeholders and how to assure that information is available. To support the selection of the environmental, sociocultural, economic and institutional indicators, an engagement process was designed and applied, which included meetings with stakeholders, a workshop and an online survey. The results showed that both workshop and online surveys reflected, in general, similar opinions, thus allowing the selecting of the sustainable development indicators for the Algarve region. Additionally, the results showed that nearly 75% of the indicators can be obtained from national statistics and, therefore, can be used on the OBSERVE project, assuring a quick flow of information. As limitations, it is important to mention that the other 25% will need further development, in order to provide data for indicators, like carbon management and client satisfaction. With this approach, the observatory will survey and evaluate the sustainable development of the region (status and trends), based on indicators that answer to the strategic needs of system’s main users, with social and economic implications, i.e., public institutions, economic agents, tourists, local communities and residents.

Keywords: sustainable indicators; Algarve region; OBSERVE project; sustainable tourism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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