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The overall pattern of interconnectivity among the

language to be spoken instead of native languages.

indicators (Figure 8.a) also highlights a number

Here, in-migration, access to more natural resources

of cross-cutting indicators and attributes. For

or economic opportunities, and higher education are

example, the World Bank governance indicators, MPA

associated with the prevalence of native languages,

effectiveness, and environmental perceptions are all

even though there may be no single causation.

cross-cutting indicators because they affect policies

and strategies influencing the drivers of change

Other types of linkages include direct and indirect

which, in turn, influence the ecological indicators.

causality. For example, the macroalgal index may

Other cross-cutting indicators, such as coral cover

be directly related to herbivory (specifically, the

and coral:macroalgal index, are affected by changes

abundance of herbivorous fishes and Diadema sea

in both functional and drivers-of-change indicators

urchins) and to abiotic factors (e.g., water quality and

and, in turn, have repercussions on many social

ocean color). At the same time, it is indirectly linked to

indicators.

fishing (e.g., volume of production, fish abundance),

tourism and coastal development (e.g., the coastal

The linkages highlight particularly effective areas

development index and tourism development index)

for collaboration among groups engaged in different

and land use and agriculture (e.g., agricultural input

activities or fields of work. For example, workers in

rates and sediment delivery rates).

the field of human health might engage more closely

with those involved in agriculture and tourism, given

the strong linkages among these indicators.

"The dual challenge for society is thus to retain and, indeed, sustain

a sufficient level of ecosystem services in a way that contributes to

the enhancement of human well-being and the reduction of poverty.

Explicit recognition of these links [between ecosystem services and

human well-being] and of substitutability among the various forms

of capital will help policy-makers and other stakeholders to make

informed decisions."

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 20031

Melanie McField / WWF

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