Vision and Objectives
The Vision Statement will define the desired or intended future state of the coastal area in terms of its fundamental strategic direction. The vision describes in simple terms the condition of the coastal area in the future, in a timespan of 10 to 30 years and even beyond, if the plan is implemented successfully. Ideally the vision should be:
• Clear and compelling • Aligned with partners’ and the community’s aspirations and existing policies • Ambitious and memorable • A vivid picture of a desired future.
The Vision Statement and the objectives are derived from the agreed priorities. PAP/RAC have defined a ‘model’ vision for the Mediterranean coast which encompasses 6 principles of sustainable development:
“A coast that is:
• resilient - resilient to climate change, resilient to natural processes, resilient to human processes
• productive - productive financially, competitive, high in value, increasing GDP, alleviating poverty
• diverse – diverse in ecological, diverse in experiential terms
• distinctive – distinctive culturally, distinctive in marketing
• attractive – attractive to visitors, investors and to local people
• healthy – free from pollution.”
Objectives will describe how the implementation of the Vision can be measured, and will be reflect the governance, environmental and socio-economic Priorities. Objectives describe in measurable terms the desired end state oand are the measure of the ICZM Process performance.
Classically, the objectives should be measurable, attainable, realistic and time-targeted. Beyond this simple description however, the objectives can become more complex, distinguishing between: High Level Objectives (or Goals) and clusters of Sub-Objectives
Many objectives will be predetermined in existing international, national and sub-national policies; examples include ‘Horizon 20-20’, the Water Framework Directive and other water quality standards.
In many cases these will be provide adequate benchmarks, however they should be reviewed to identify the potential to exceed them as a minimum aspiration.
Objectives – the Four Orders of Outcome evaluation framework.
• The First Order of objectives creates an enabling framework - the preconditions required to successfully implement the plan of action for a coastal plan or programme. Generally these will be governance objectives e.g., whether the governance structures are in place, whether user groups affected by the program’s actions understand and support its goals, management measures, and targets.
• The Second Order lead to changes in behaviour that occur during implementation: changes in the behaviour of target user groups, changes in the behaviour of key institutions and changes in how and where financial investments are made. These will be primarily about building capacity.
• The Third Order measures practical results and benefits. These Third Order Outcomes, e.g., improved water quality, justify financial investments and motivates the stakeholders and institutions to make the changes in their behaviour that sustained success requires.
• The Fourth Order looks at the appropriate balance between environment and human society – sustainable development. These are likely to be more long-term, high level in nature, embedding the outputs of the preceding as outcomes.
