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A framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of the natural heritage site

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Abstract

Sustainable world heritage management represents an approach for managing the resources of a property by integrating environmental, economic, and social issues. It aims to provide sustainable benefits for future generations, while protect the property and minimize the possible adverse social, economic and environmental impacts. Indicators of sustainable development, which summarize information for decision-making, are invaluable to learn the efficiency and effectiveness of property management. Scientists in many fields devised several conceptual models of environmental statistics and indicators, of which, DPSIR (Driving forces — Pressure — State — Impact — Response) is thought to be the best available one in identifying and developing indicators of sustainable development. Based on the DPSIR conceptual model and indicator selection criteria, the present paper proposed a methodology framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of a natural heritage site. The proposed framework included a multi-level hierarchical structure for various indicators and indexes, a modified DPSIR frame to identify key issues in property management and a set of indicators for evaluating the sustainability in Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China

    Wei Jie, Zhao Yongtao, Xu Houqin & Yu Hui

  2. Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Wei Jie & Yu Hui

Authors
  1. Wei Jie
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  2. Zhao Yongtao
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  3. Xu Houqin
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  4. Yu Hui
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Correspondence to Wei Jie.

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Wei, J., Zhao, Y., Xu, H. et al. A framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of the natural heritage site. J. Mt. Sci. 4, 321–330 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-007-0321-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-007-0321-z

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