SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Sustainable development is. . .
Considering that the concept of sustainable development is now
enshrined on the masthead of Environment magazine, featured
on 8,720,000 Web pages,1 and enmeshed in the aspirations of
countless programs, places, and institutions, it should be easy to
complete the sentence.2 But the most widely accepted definition
is creatively ambiguous: Humanity has the ability to make
development sustainableto ensure that it meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
This

malleability

allows

programs

of

environment

or

development; places from local to global; and institutions of

government, civil society, business, and industry to each project
their interests, hopes, and aspirations onto the banner of
sustainable development.
A brief history of the concept, along with the interpretive
differences and the common ground in definitions, goals,
indicators, values, and practice follows. Taken together, these
help explain what is meant by sustainable development.

ANTECEDENTS
In the last half of the twentieth century, four key themes
emerged from the collective concerns and aspirations of the
worlds peoples: peace, freedom, development, and that was
thought to be secured in the postwar world of 1945 was
immediately threatened by the nuclear arms race. Throughout
the Cold War, peace was sustained globally but fought locally,
often by proxies for the superpowers. While the number of wars
has diminished over the last sought, primarily in Africa and the
Middle East.
Freedom was sought early in the post- war world in the struggle
to end imperialism; to halt totalitarian oppression; and later to
extend democratic governance, human rights, and the rights of
women, indigenous peoples, and minorities. The success of
many former colonies in attaining national independence was
followed by a focus on economic development to provide basic
necessities for the poorest two-thirds of the world and higher
standards of living for the wealthy third. Finally, it is only in the
past 40 years that the environment (local to global) became a
key focus of national and international law and institutions.
Although reinterpreted over time, peace, freedom, development,
and the environment remain prominent issues and aspirations. In
the 1970s and 1980s, world commissions to study such
international concerns, producing major documents that were

often followed by global conferences. Characteristic of these

international commissions was the effort to link together the
aspirations of human- kinddemonstrating how the pursuit of
one great value required the others. Sustainable development,
with its dual emphasis on the most recent concerns
development and environmentis typical of such efforts.
The World Commission on Environment and Development was
initiated by the General Assembly of the United Nations in
1982, and its report, Our Common Future, was published in
chaired by thenPrime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem
Brundtland, thus earning the name the Brundtland Commission. The commissions member- ship was split between
developed and developing countries. Its roots were in the 1972
Stockholm Conference on the Human Environmentwhere the
conflicts between environment and development were first
acknowledgedand in the 1980 World Conservation Strategy
of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which
argued for conservation as a means to assist development and
specifically for the sustainable development and utilization of
species, ecosystems, and, the Brundtland Com- mission began
its work committed to the unity of environment and
development. As Brundtland argued:
The environment does not exist as a sphere separate from
human actions, ambitions, and needs, and attempts to defend it

in isolation from human concerns have given the very word

environment a connotation of naivety in some political
circles. The word development has also been narrowed by
some into a very limited focus, along the lines of what poor
nations should do to become richer, and thus again is
automatically dismissed by many in the international arena as
being a concern of specialists, of those involved in questions of
development assistance. But the environment is where we
live; and development is what we all do in attempting to
improve our lot within that abode. The two are inseparable.
As with previous efforts, the report was followed by major
international meetings. The United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in
1992 (the so-called Earth Summit) issued a declaration of
principles, a detailed Agenda 21 of desired actions, international
agreements on climate change and biodiversity, and a statement
of principles on years later, in 2002, at the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, the
commitment to sustainable development was, sustainable
development as a concept, as a goal, and as a movement spread
rapidly and is now central to the mission of count- less
international organizations, national institutions, corporate
enterprises, sustainable cities, and locales.

DEFINITIONS
The Brundtland Commissions brief definition of sustainable
development as the ability to make development sustain- able
to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
the standard definition when judged by its widespread use and
frequency of citation. The use of this definition has led many to
see sustainable development as having a major focus on
intergenerational equity. Although the brief definition does not
explicitly mention the environment or development, the
subsequent paragraphs, while rarely quoted, are clear. On
development, the report states that human needs are basic and
essential; that economic growth but also equity to share
resources with the pooris required to sustain them; and that
equity is encouraged by effective citizen participation. On the
environment, the text is also clear:
The concept of sustainable development does imply limitsnot
absolute limits but limitations imposed by the present state of
technology and social organization on environmental resources
and by the ability of the biosphere to absorb the effects of
human activities
In the years following the Brundtland Commissions report, the
creative ambiguity of the standard definition, while allowing a
range of disparate groups to assemble under the sustainable

development tent, also created a veritable industry of

deciphering and advocating what sustainable development really
means. One important studyby the Board on Sustainable
Development of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
sought to bring some order to the broad literature its members
its report, Our Common Journey: A Transition toward
Sustainability, the board focused on the seemingly inherent
distinction between what advocates and analysts sought to
sustain and what they sought to develop, the relationship
between the two, and the time horizon of the future (see Figure
1 on next page).
Thus under the heading what is to be sustained, the board
identified three major categoriesnature, life support systems,
and communityas well as intermediate categories for each,
such as Earth, environment, and cultures. Drawing from the
surveyed literature, the board found that most commonly,
emphasis was placed on life support systems, which defined
nature or environment as a source of services for the utilitarian
life support of humankind. The study of ecosystem services has
strengthened this definition over time. In contrast, some of the
sustainable development literature valued nature for its intrinsic
value rather than its utility for human beings. There were also
parallel demands to sustain cultural diversity, including
livelihoods, groups, and places that constitute distinctive and
threatened communities.

Fig 1. WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Similarly, there were three quite distinct ideas about what

should be developed: people, economy, and society. Much of
the early literature focused on economic development, with
productive sectors providing employment, desired consumption,
and wealth. More recently, attention has shifted to human
development, including an emphasis on values and goals, such
as increased life expectancy, education, equity, and opportunity.
Finally, the Board on Sustainable Development also identified
calls to develop society that emphasized the values of security
and well being of national states, regions, and institutions as
well as the social capital of relation- ships and community ties.
There was ready agreement in the literature that sustainable
development implies linking what is to be sustained with what is
to be developed, but here, too, the emphasis has often differed
from extremes of sustain only to develop mostly to various
forms of and/or. Similarly, the time period of concern,
ambiguously described in the standard definition as now and in
the future, has differed widely. It has been defined from as little
as a generationwhen almost everything is sustainableto
forever when surely nothing is sustainable.
The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development marked a
further expansion of the standard definition with the widely used
three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and
environmental. The Johannesburg Declaration created a

collective responsibility to advance and strengthen the

interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable
developmenteconomic development, social development
and environmental protectionat local, national, regional
and global doing, the World Summit addressed a running
concern over the limits of the framework of environment and
development, wherein development was widely viewed solely as
economic development. For many under the common tent of
sustainable development, such a narrow definition obscured
their concerns for human development, equity, and social
justice. Thus while the three pillars were rap- idly adopted, there
was no universal agreement as to their details.

A Web search of the phrase three pillars of sustainable

development finds a wide variety of environmental, economic,
and social pillars with differences most pronounced in
characterizing the social pillar. Three major variants of social
development are found, each of which seeks to compensate for
elements

missing

in

the

narrow

focus

on

economic

development.
The first is simply a generic noneconomic social designation
that uses terms such as social, social development, and
social progress.

The second emphasizes human development as opposed to

economic development: human development, human wellbeing, or just people.
The third variant focuses on issues of justice and equity: social
justice, equity, and poverty alleviation.
INDICATORS
Still another way to define sustainable development is in how it
is measured. Indeed, despite sustainable developments creative
ambiguity, the most serious efforts to define it, albeit implicit in
many cases, come in the form of indicators. Combining global,
national, and local initiatives, there are literally hundreds of
efforts to define appropriate indicators and to measure them.
Recently, a dozen such efforts were half were global in coverage, using country or regional data (the UN Commission on
Sustainable Development, Consultative Group on Sustainable
Development Indicators, Wellbeing Index, Environmental
Sustainability Index, Global Scenario Group, and the Ecological
Footprint). Of the remaining efforts, three were country studies
(in the United States, the Genuine Progress Indicator and the
Interagency Working Group on Sustainable Development
Indicators, and in Costa Rica, the System of Indicators for
Sustainable Development); one was a city study (the Boston
Indicators Project); one was global in scope but focused on
indicators of unsustainability (State Failure Task Force); and one

focused on corporate and nongovernmental entities (Global

Reporting Initiative). Table 1 on pages 14 and 15 lists each
study with its source, the number of indicators used, and the
implicit or explicit definitions used to describe what is to be
sustained, what is to be developed, and for how long.
Two major observations emerge. The first is the extraordinarily
broad list of items to be sustained and to be developed. These
reflect the inherent malleability of sustainable development as
well as the internal politics of the measurement efforts. In many
of the cases, the initiative is undertaken by a diverse set of
stakeholders, and the resulting lists reflect their varied
aspirations. For example, in the UN Com- mission on
Sustainable

Development,

the

stakeholders

are

nations

negotiating how to measure their relative progress or lack of

progress toward sustainable development. In the Boston
Indicators Project, the stakeholders are community members
with varied opinions about desirable goals, policies, and
investment priorities for the future. In the Global Reporting
Initiative,

the

stakeholders

are

corporations,

investors,

regulatory agencies, and civil society groups discussing how to

account for corporate actions affecting sustainable development.
With many stakeholders, each with different definitions,
achieving consensus often takes the form of long laundry lists
of indicators, and definitional differences are downplayed in
favor of reaching a common set of indicators. Thus, to be

inclusive, the range of indicators becomes very broad. Half the

examined initiatives, however, represent less- inclusive research
or advocacy groups who share a more narrow and homogenous
view of sustainable development. While also assembling large
numbers of indicators, these groups tend to aggregate them to
reflect their distinctive vision of sustainability.
A second observation is that few of the efforts are explicit about
the time period in which sustainable development should be
considered. Despite the emphasis in the standard definition on
intergenerational equity, there seems in most indicator efforts a
focus on the present or the very short term. Three exceptions,
however, are worth noting: The UN Commission on Sustainable
Development uses some human development indicators defined
in terms of a single generation (15quantifies its scenarios
through 2050 (approximately two generations), and the
Ecological Footprint argues that in the long run an
environmental footprint larger than one Earth cannot be
sustained. Overall, these diverse indicator efforts reflect the
ambiguous time horizon of the standard definitionnow and in
the future.

General description
The newly revised CSD indicators contain a core set of 50
indicators. These core indicators are part of a larger set of 96
indicators of sustainable development. Core indicators fulfill
three criteria.

First, they cover issues that are relevant for sustainable

development in most countries.
Second, they provide critical information not available from
other core indicators.
Third, they can be calculated by most countries with data that is
either readily available or could be made available within
reasonable time and costs.
Conversely, indicators that are not part of the core are either
relevant only for a smaller set of countries, provide
complementary information to core indicators or are not easily
available for most countries.

The division of indicators along the lines of four pillars (social,

economic, environmental and institutional) is no longer explicit
in the newly revised set. This change emphasizes the multidimensional nature of sustainable development and reflects the
importance of integrating its pillars. Consequently, new cross-

cutting themes such as poverty and natural hazards were

introduced

and

existing

cross-cutting

themes

such

as

consumption and production patterns are better represented.

Since poverty covers a broad range of related issues, it was
conceptually limiting to keep it as a sub-theme under equity.
Consequently, it is now a separate theme that includes subthemes related to income, sanitation, drinking water, energy
access and living conditions. Natural hazards were a sub-theme
of the now dissolved theme institutional capacity, which did
not reflect the cross-cutting nature of the topic. Other new
themes include global economic partnership and governance.
Global economic partnership includes a number of new
indicators that capture key issues such as trade and development
financing. The indicators for the theme governance are largely
undeveloped; only crime related indicators are currently
included. Significant methodological work is needed to develop
good, measurable and internationally accepted indicators on
other aspects of governance.

Relationship between MDG Indicators and CSD Indicators

of Sustainable Development
The Millennium Development Goals Indicators currently consist
of 48 indicators linked to the eight goals derived from the
United Nations Millennium Declaration. However, the revised

MDG monitoring framework presented by the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations in 2007 contains 58 indicators, as
four new targets have been included to reflect commitments
made at the 2005 World the CSD Indicators of Sustainable
Development, the MDG Indicators were developed through a
collaborative process involving various Departments within the
United Nations Secretariat, a number of specialized agencies
from within the United Nations system as well as external
international organizations, various government agencies and
national statisticians. Also like the CSD indicators, the MDG
Indicators are driven by policy relevance, rooted in major intergovernmental development summits and frequently applied at
the national level. Because of these similarities, there may have
been some confusion on the part of policy-makers and
practitioners on the relationship between the two sets and on the
need of having two indicator sets.

In fact, while many of the indicators overlap, the overall

purpose of the two sets is different: the CSD indicators are
intended solely to provide a reference, or sample set, for use by
countries to track progress toward nationally-defined goals, in
particular, and sustainable development, in general. The MDG
Indicators, on the other hand, were developed for the global
monitoring

of

progress

toward

meeting

internationally

established goals. In addition, the CSD indicators cover a broad

range of issues intrinsic to all pillars of sustainable development
economic

development,

social

development

and

environmental protection. The MDG Indicators, on the other

hand, are specific to the eight MDGs. As the MDGs constitute
an important subset of the sustainable development agenda, the
MDG indicator necessarily have a more limited coverage, with a
strong focus on issues related to the poverty health nexus.
Sustainable development issues that are not covered by the
MDG Indicators include demographics, natural hazards,
governance and macroeconomics. The area of consumption and
production patterns, one of the three overarching objectives and
essential requirements of sustainable development, is covered by
one single MDG indicator (energy intensity), which incidentally
will be dropped from the MDG Indicators framework this year.
The focus of the MDG Indicators on global monitoring also
imposes some selection criteria that are less relevant for
nationally oriented sets. For example, since the MDG Indicators

need to allow for meaningful regional and global aggregation,

they require data that are available and internationally
comparable. Moreover, the use of single-value indicators
predominates since this allows for easier presentation across
time and countries or country groups. National-oriented sets,
such as the CSD indicators, may easily include multiple
dimensions, such as population groups, gender and sectoral
breakdowns. The CSD indicators can also include indicators
which lack accepted adjustment methods for cross-country
comparisons or indicators for which countries have no timeseries data dating back to the 1990s. The review of the CSD
indicators has identified a number of inconsistencies between
previous definitions of CSD and MDG indicators, which have
been corrected in this new edition. The concurrent review of the
MDG Indicators lead to the inclusion of selected CSD indicators
into the revised MDG framework, especially in the areas of
natural resources, biodiversity and employment. The MDG
indicator numbers are those assigned on the official list of MDG
Indicators, which has been effective since September 2003.
Indicators formally recommended for inclusion to the MDG
indicators in 2007 are listed as Overview of the revised CSD
Indicators of Sustainable Development 23 New, as the
numbering of indicators in the revised MDG monitoring
framework has not been completed. Indicators that are contained
in the original list of MDG Indicators, but are no longer part of

the revised framework are marked as dropped in parenthesis to

their original number. Indicators that are not official MDG
Indicators, but contained in the official MDG database are
marked as Additional. Indicators that are similar to CSD
indicators but not identical are marked with an asterisk. In most
cases, differences relate to the fact the CSD indicators have a
different coverage in terms of countries or definition covered.
For example, the CSD indicator on ODA refers to all countries
that provide or receive development assistance, whereas the
MDG framework contains specific indicators for donors on the
OECD/DAC list, and recipients from least developed countries,
landlocked developing countries and Small Island developing
States. The CSD indicator on childhood nutrition refers to
underweight,

stunting

and

overweight,

whereas

the

corresponding MDG indicator covers underweight only.

DESCRIPTION OF CSD INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
A. POVERTY
PROPORTION

OF

POPULATION

LIVING

BELOW

NATIONAL POVERTY LINE

Sub-theme: Income poverty

Core indicator

Brief definition: The proportion of the population with a

standard of living below the poverty line as defined by the

national

government.

population-weighted

National
subgroup

estimates

are

based

estimates

derived

on
from

household surveys.
Description: The indicator (also known as national poverty
rate) is a standard measure of poverty, especially income
poverty. It provides information on progress towards poverty
alleviation, a central objective and requirement of sustainable
development. The national poverty rate is one of the core
measures of living standards and it draws attention exclusively
towards the poor.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION BELOW $ 1 PER DAY
Sub-theme: Income poverty
Brief definition: The proportion of the population having per
capita consumption of less than $1.08 a day, measured at 1993
international prices.
Description: The population below $1 a day provides a
uniform measure of absolute poverty for the developing world,
using data from nationally representative household surveys.
Progress against absolute poverty is now a widely accepted
yardstick for assessing the overall performance of developing
economies.
RATIO OF SHARE IN NATIONAL INCOME OF HIGHEST
TO LOWEST QUINTILE
Sub-theme: Income inequality

Brief definition: The ratio of the share in national income (or

consumption) accruing to the highest 20 percent of the
population to the share accruing to the lowest 20 percent.
Description: The indicator shows the extent of inequality in
income distribution within a country. Inequality in outcomes
such as income or consumption and inequality in opportunities
hinder human development and are detrimental to long-term
economic growth. Poor people generally have less voice, less
income, and less access to services than wealthier people. When
societies become more equitable in ways that lead to greater
opportunities or all, the poor stand to benefit from a double
dividend. Empirical studies suggest that the impact of growth
on poverty reduction is greater when initial income inequality is
lower.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION USING AN IMPROVED
SANITATION FACILITY
Sub-theme: Sanitation Core indicator
Brief definition: Proportion of population with access to a
private sanitary facility for human excreta disposal in the
dwelling or immediate vicinity. Improved sanitary facilities
range from simple but protected pit latrines to flush toilets with
sewerage.

Description: The provision of adequate sanitation is

necessary for poverty alleviation and to protect human health
and the environment. The indicator monitors progress in the
accessibility of the population to sanitation facilities, a basic and
essential social service. Accessibility to adequate excreta
disposal facilities is fundamental to decrease the fiscal risk and
frequency of associated diseases. When broken down by
geographic (such as rural/urban zones) or social or economic
criteria, it also provides tangible evidence of inequities.
PROPORTION OF POPULATION USING AN IMPROVED
WATER SOURCE
Sub-theme: Drinking water Core indicator
Brief definition: Proportion of population with access to an
improved drinking water source in a dwelling or located within
a convenient distance. Improved drinking water sources include
bottled water; rainwater; protected boreholes springs and wells;
public stand-pipes and piped connections to houses.
Description: The provision of adequate sanitation is
necessary for poverty alleviation and to protect human health
and the environment. The indicator monitors progress in the
accessibility of the population to improved water sources.
Accessibility to improved water sources is fundamental to
decrease the fiscal risk and frequency of associated diseases. It

is also a universal human development indicator. When broken

down by geographic (such as rural/ urban zones) or social or
economic criteria, it also provides tangible evidence of
inequities.
SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY OR
OTHER MODERN ENERGY SERVICES.
Sub-theme: Access to energy Core indicator
Brief definition: Share of households without access to
electricity, and share of households using traditional noncommercial energy options, such as fuelwood, crop wastes and
dung, as primary fuel for cooking and heating.
Description: The indicator monitors progress in accessibility
and affordability of modern energy services including electricity.
Electricity and other modern energy services are an essential
component of providing basic social services. Lack of access to
modern energy services contributes to poverty and deprivation
and limits economic development. Furthermore, adequate,
affordable and reliable energy services are necessary to
guarantee sustainable economic and human development.
PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION USING SOLID FUELS
FOR COOKING
Sub-theme: Access to energy

Brief definition: Percentage of population using solid fuels

as source for cooking. Solid fuels include biomass fuels, such as
wood, charcoal, crops or other agricultural waste, dung, shrubs
and straw, and coal.
Description: The indicator covers multiple sustainable
development issues. Most importantly, the use of solid fuels in
households is a proxy for indoor air pollution, which is
associated with increased mortality from pneumonia and other
acute lower respiratory infections among children as well as
increased mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
and lung cancer (where coal is used) among adults. High
demand for biomass fuels to meet household energy needs can
contribute to deforestation and subsequent land degradation. The
indicator also measures access to modern energy services,
central to poverty alleviation and sustainable development in
general.
PROPORTION OF URBAN POPULATION LIVING IN
SLUMS
Sub-theme: Living conditions Core indicator
Brief definition: The proportion of urban population lacking
at least one of the following five housing conditions: Access to
improved water; access to improved sanitation facilities;

sufficient,

not

overcrowded,

living

area;

structural

quality/durability of dwellings; security of tenure.

Description: This is a key indicator measuring the adequacy
of shelter. Overcrowding, inadequate housing, lack of water and
sanitation are manifestations of poverty. They deprive residents
from their human rights, are associated with certain categories
of health risks and are often detriments to future development.
An increase of this indicator is sign of deteriorating living
conditions in urban areas. Disaggregating the indicator by type
of housing conditions gives further information on the severity
of inadequate living conditions.
B. Governance
PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION HAVING PAID BRIBES
Sub-theme: Corruption Core indicator
Brief definition: Percentage of population having been asked
or having complied to expectation by government officials to
pay a bribe for his or her services.
Description: The indicator measures prevalence of corruption
among government officials through crime surveys. A decline of
this indicator is a sign of progress on the corruption component
of good governance. Good governance is essential for
sustainable development.

NUMBER OF RECORDED INTENTIONAL HOMICIDES

PER 100,000 POPULATION
Sub-theme: Crime Core indicator
Brief Definition: Number of intentional homicides recorded
in criminal (police) statistics. Countries with sufficiently reliable
crime statistics may wish to expand the indicator by including
violent crimes, such as assault, rape and/or robbery.
Description: The indicator measures the development of
intentional homicides over time. Intentional homicides, as well
as violent crimes, have a very significant negative impact on
sustainable

development.

The

phenomenon

of

crime

compromises human dignity, creates a climate of fear and erodes

the quality of life. The indicator can also be used as a measure
for the adherence to the rule of law, a component of good
governance.
C. HEALTH
UNDER-FIVE MORTALITY RATE
Sub Theme: Mortality

Core indicator

Brief definition: Under-five mortality rate refers to the

probability of dying before age 5. It is expressed as deaths per
1,000 live births.

Description: This indicator measures the risk of dying in

infancy and early childhood. In high-mortality settings, a large
fraction of all deaths occurs at ages under 5 years. Under-five
mortality levels are influenced by the availability, accessibility
and quality of health services; education, particularly of
mothers; access to safe water and sanitation; poverty and
nutrition, among other factors.
LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH
Sub-theme: Mortality

Core indicator

Brief definition: The average number of years that a newborn

could expect to live, if he or she were to pass through life
subject to the age-specific death rates of a given period.
Description: The indicator measures how many years on
average a newborn is expected to live, given current age-specific
mortality risks. Life expectancy at birth is an indicator of
mortality conditions and, by proxy, of health conditions.
HEALTHY LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH
Sub-theme: Mortality
Brief definition: The average equivalent number of years of
full health that a newborn could expect to live, if he or she were
to pass through life subject to the age-specific death rates and
ill-health rates of a given period.

Description: Healthy life expectancy (HALE) provides a

summary of overall health conditions for a population, which
are in turn an integral part of development. HALE captures both
fatal and non-fatal health outcomes and provides a more
complete picture of the impact of morbidity and mortality on
populations, than life expectancy alone.
PERCENT OF POPULATION WITH ACCESS TO PRIMARY
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Sub-theme: Health care delivery Core indicator
Brief definition: Proportion of population with access to
primary health care facilities. Primary health care is defined as
essential health care made accessible at a cost the country and
community can afford, with methods that are practical,
scientifically sound and socially acceptable.
Description: The indicator monitors progress in the access of
the population to primary health care. Accessibility of health
services, going beyond just physical access, and including
economic, social and cultural accessibility and acceptability, is
of fundamental significance to reflect on health system progress,
equity and sustainable development.
IMMUNIZATION AGAINST INFECTIOUS CHILDHOOD
DISEASES

Sub-theme: Health care delivery Core indicator

Brief definition: The percent of the eligible population that
have been immunized according to national immunization
policies. The definition includes three components: (i) the
proportion of children immunized against diphtheria, tetanus,
pertussis, measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B
before their first birthday; (ii) the proportion of children
immunized against yellow fever in affected countries of Africa;
and (iii) the proportion of women of child-bearing age
immunized against tetanus.
Description: This indicator monitors the implementation of
immunization programs. Good management of immunization
programmes is essential to the reduction of morbidity and
mortality from major childhood infectious diseases, and is
integral to the achievement of sustainable development.
CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE RATE
Sub-theme: Health care delivery
Brief definition: This indicator is generally defined as the
percentage of women of reproductive age (15-49 yrs.) using any
method of contraception at a given point in time. It is usually
calculated for women married or in union of reproductive age,
but sometimes for other base population, such as all women of
reproductive age at risk of pregnancy.

Description: The measure indicates the extent of couples

conscious efforts and capabilities to control their fertility.
Contraceptive prevalence is also an indicator of access to
reproductive health services, an important element of primary
health care. Reproductive health programmes, which include
family planning, are among the factors that promote changes in
demographic behavior and trends, which in turn affect
sustainability and development. The health benefits of
contraceptive use include the ability to prevent unwanted
pregnancies, thereby reducing the resort to induced abortion as
well as potential complications of pregnancy and the risks of
maternal mortality.
NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN
Sub-theme: Nutritional status Core indicator
Brief definition: Percentage of underweight (weight-for-age
below -2 standard deviation (SD) of the WHO Child Growth
Standards median) among children under five years of age;
percentage of stunting (height-for-age below -2 SD of the WHO
Child Growth Standards median) among children under five
years of age; and percentage of overweight (weight-for-height
above +2 SD of the WHO Child Growth Standards median)
among children under five years of age.

Description: The purpose of this indicator is to measure long

term nutritional imbalance and malnutrition resulting in under
nutrition

(assessed

by

underweight

and

stunting)

and

overweight. Anthropometric measurements to assess growth and

development, particularly in young children, are the most widely
used indicators of nutritional status in a community.
MORBIDITY OF MAJOR DISEASES SUCH AS HIV/AIDS,
MALARIA, TUBERCULOSIS
Sub-theme: Health status and risks Core indicator
Brief definition: Prevalence and/or incidence of major
diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis. The indicator
is measured separately for relevant major diseases, typically in
cases per 100,000 people.
Description: The indicator measures the morbidity caused by
major diseases. The goals of sustainable development can only
be achieved in the absence of a high prevalence of debilitating
diseases. HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases
are major impediments to sustainable development, especially in
many developing countries. The indicator also provides
information on the success of measures to fight major diseases.
For that purpose, especially over a longer horizon, measuring
death rates of major diseases is also important.
PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE

Sub-theme: Health status and risks

Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the percentage of
the population aged 15 years or older that daily smokes any
tobacco product. It is calculated from the responses to individual
or household surveys that are nationally representative.
Description: Prevalence of current daily tobacco smoking
among adults is a measure useful to determine of the economic
and future health burden of tobacco use, and provides a primary
basis for evaluating the effectiveness of tobacco control
programmes over time. Tobacco is an undisputable health threat
causing 5.4 million deaths in 2005, and representing the second
risk factor for mortality worldwide. Tobacco consumption is
costly and contributes to poverty and associated health
inequalities at the individual and national levels. Studies have
shown that prevalence is higher among the poor illustrating a
negative association between prevalence and household income
and/or wealth. The cost of treatment of tobacco-caused diseases
is high and falls heavily on the finances of poor households and
countries. Premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases also
lead to productivity losses.
SUICIDE RATE
Sub-theme: Health status and risks

Brief definition: The number of deaths from suicide and

intentional self harm per 100 000 people.
Description: The indicator is an important proxy for the
prevalence of mental health disorders in a country, as mental
health disorders, especially depression and substance abuse, are
associated with 90% of all suicides. Mental health disorders are
a major impediment to the well-being of populations in
developed and developing countries. People with these disorders
are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and
increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of staggering
economic and social costs.
D. EDUCATION
GROSS INTAKE RATE INTO LAST YEAR OF PRIMARY
EDUCATION
Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator
Brief definition: Total number of new entrants in the last
grade of primary education, regardless of age, expressed as a
percentage of the population of the theoretical entrance age to
the last grade of primary education. The indicator is also called
Primary Completion Rate.
Description: The indicator measures whether or not the entire
eligible school age population has access to school and whether

or not they complete the full primary cycle. Universal primary

education is an important goal of the international sustainable
development agenda. Education is a process by which human
beings and societies reach their fullest potential. It is critical for
promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity
of people to address environment and development issues.
NET ENROLMENT RATE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION
Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator
Brief definition: The indictor is the ratio of the number of
children of official school age (as defined by the national
education system) who are enrolled in primary school to the
total population of children of official school age.
Description: The indicator shows the proportion of children
of primary school age who are enrolled in primary school. Net
enrolment refers only to children of official primary school age,
and excludes children of other age groups enrolled in primary
school age as well as children of primary school age enrolled in
other levels of education. Universal primary education is an
important goal of the international sustainable development
agenda
ADULT

SECONDARY

ATTAINMENT LEVEL

(TERTIARY)

SCHOOLING

Sub-theme: Education level Core indicator

Brief definition: Adult Secondary Schooling Attainment
Level is defined as the proportion of the population of working
age (25-64 years) which has completed
at least (upper) secondary education. Adult Tertiary Schooling
Attainment Level is defined as the proportion of the population
of working age (25- 64 years) which has completed at least the
first stage tertiary education.
Description: These indicators provide measures of the quality
of the human capital stock within the adult population of
approximately working age. For instance, those who have
completed upper secondary education can be expected either to
have an adequate set of skills relevant to the labour market or to
have demonstrated the ability to acquire such skills.
LIFE LONG LEARNING
Sub-theme: Education level
Brief definition: Percentage of the population aged 25 to 64
in education or training.
Description: The indicator measures the extent to which
working-age population is engaged in learning activities. Lifelong learning is essential to sustainable development. As society
shifts towards sustainable production and consumption patterns,

workers and citizens who are willing to develop and adopt new
technologies and organisation techniques as workers, as well as
new attitudes and behaviour as citizens and consumers will be
needed. The scale and quality of human resources are major
determinants of both the creation of new knowledge and its
dissemination.
ADULT LITERACY RATES
Sub-theme: Literacy Core indicator
Brief definition: The proportion of the adult population aged
15 years and over that is literate.
Description: This indicator provides a measure of the stock
of literate persons within the adult population who are capable
of using written words in daily life and to continue to learn. It
reflects the accumulated accomplishment of education in
spreading literacy. Any shortfall in literacy would provide
indications of efforts required in the future to extend literacy to
the remaining adult illiterate population.
E. DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION GROWTH RATE
Sub-theme: Population change Core indicator

Brief definition: The average annual rate of change of

population size during specified period. It is often reported
separately for urban and rural areas.
Description: The population growth rate measures how fast
the size of population is changing. If reported separately for
urban and rural area, it provides a measure of urbanization. The
high growth of urban populations, caused by rates of natural
increase (excess of births over deaths) in urban areas, migration
from rural to urban areas and the transformation of rural
settlements into urban places, is of concern in many countries.
In settings where the conditions for sustainable agricultural and
rural development are not in place, high rates of rural population
growth could negatively affect the use of land, water, air, energy
and other resources.
TOTAL FERTILITY RATE
Sub-theme: Population change
Brief definition: The average number of children (live births)
a cohort of
women would have at the end of their reproductive period if
they were subject to the age-specific fertility rates of a given
period. Its calculation assumes that there is no mortality. The
total fertility rate is expressed as children per woman, and can
be disaggregated into various age-specific fertility rates.

Description: Fertility is one of the variables that directly

affect population change. In many countries, lower fertility has
improved the ability of families and governments to make a
better use of scarce resources, combat poverty, protect and repair
the environment, and set the conditions for sustainable
development. On the other hand, countries experiencing belowreplacement fertility levels (below 2.1 children per woman)
could face rapid population ageing and, eventually, decreasing
population size. Adolescent fertility (births to women under 20
years of age) constitutes a matter of concern for many
governments, specially in regions still experiencing relatively
high fertility. Early childbearing entails a much greater risk of
maternal death, while the children born to young mothers tend
to have higher levels of morbidity and mortality.
DEPENDENCY RATIO
Sub-theme: Population change Core indicator
Brief definition: The dependency ratio relates the number of
children (0- 14 years old) and older persons (65 years or over) to
the working-age population (15-64 years old).
Description: Dependency ratios indicate the potential effects
of changes in population age structures for social and economic
development, in particular regarding social support needs. A
high dependency ratio indicates that the economically active

population and the overall economy may face a greater burden

in supporting the young and/or older economically dependent
populations. It is also normally disaggregated into children
dependency ratio and old-age dependency ratio.
RATIO OF LOCAL RESIDENTS TO TOURISTS IN MAJOR
TOURIST REGIONS AND DESTINATIONS
Sub-theme: Population change
Brief definition: The number of visitors (tourists and same
day visitors) divided by the number of local residents in tourist
regions and destinations. It can be reported separately for the
whole year and for peak seasons or days.
Description: The ratio can indicate total and seasonal
pressure on the environmental and social resources of host
regions and populations. While tourism represents a key source
of income and employment in most tourist receiving regions and
destinations, it also exerts considerable pressure on the
environmental and socio-cultural resources of host populations,
especially in peak periods. Negative environmental and social
impacts of tourism can be prevented and mitigated with
appropriate planning, management and monitoring of tourism
activities, following integrated approaches and sustainability
principles.
F. NATURAL HAZARDS

PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION LIVING IN HAZARD

PRONE AREAS
Sub-theme: Vulnerability to natural hazards Core indicator
Brief definition: The percentage of national population living
in areas subject to significant risk of prominent hazards:
cyclones,

drought,

floods,

earthquakes,

volcanoes

and

landslides. The indicator may be calculated separately for each

relevant prominent hazard. The risk of death in a disaster caused
by natural hazards is a function of physical exposure to a
hazardous event and vulnerability to the hazard. The indicator
measures the risk at sub-national scale by using historical and
other data on hazards and on vulnerability. The sub-national risk
levels are then aggregated to arrive at national values.
Description:

This

indicator

contributes

to

better

understanding of the level of vulnerability to natural hazards in a

given country, thus encouraging long-term, sustainable risk
reduction programs to prevent disasters. High vulnerability
means higher exposure to natural catastrophes in the absence of
disaster reduction measures. Disasters caused by vulnerability to
natural hazards have a strong negative impact on the
development process in both industrialized and developing
countries.
HUMAN AND ECONOMIC LOSS DUE TO DISASTERS

Sub-theme: Disaster preparedness and response

Brief definition: The number of persons deceased, missing,
and/or injured as a direct result of a disaster involving natural
hazards; and the amount of economic and infrastructure losses
incurred as a direct result of the natural disaster. The indicator
may be expressed as percentage of total population (for human
loss) and of GDP (for economic loss).
Description: The indicator provides estimates of the human
and economic impact of disasters. Disasters involving natural
hazards can have devastating short and long-term impacts on the
society and the economy of any country, adversely affecting
progress towards sustainable development.
G. ATMOSPHERE
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
Sub-theme: Climate change Core indicator
Brief definition: Anthropogenic emissions, less removal by
sinks, of carbon dioxide (CO2). In addition to total emissions,
sectoral CO2emissions can be considered. The typical sectors
for which CO2 emissions/removals are estimated are energy,
industrial processes, agriculture, waste, and the sector of land
use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF).

Description: This indicator measures the emissions of carbon

dioxide, which is known to be the most important, in terms of
impact on global warming, anthropogenic greenhouse gas
(GHG). A doubling of the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere
is believed to cause an increase in the global mean temperature
of 1.5 to 4.5C, which is expected to have a very negative
impact on economic, social and environmental conditions in
most countries of the world.
EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES
Sub-theme: Climate change
Brief definition: Anthropogenic emissions, less removal by
sinks, of the main greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2 O), hydro
fluorocarbons (HFCs), per fluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur
hexafluoride (SF6). Emissions of CH4 , N2O, HFCs, PFCs and
SF6 can be converted to CO2 equivalents using the so-called
global warming potentials (GWPs) provided in assessments of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Description: This indicator measures the emissions of the six
main GHGs which have a direct impact on climate change, less
the removal of the main

Description of CSD Indicators of

Sustainable Development 61 GHG CO2 through sequestration

as a result of land-use change and forestry activities. An increase

of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere contributes

to global warming, which is a major global challenge to
sustainable development. For countries that have committed to
reduce or stabilize their
GHG emissions under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, the indicator also
provides information on the fulfilment of this global
commitment.
CONSUMPTION OF OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
Sub-theme: Ozone Layer Depletion Core indicator
Brief definition: This indicator shows the consumption
trends for ozone depleting substances (ODSs) controlled under
the Montreal Protocol on Substance that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, thereby allowing inference of the amounts of ODSs being
eliminated as a result of the protocol.
Description: This indicator depicts the progress towards the
phase out of ODSs by the countries which have ratified the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
and its Amendments. The phase-out of ODSs, and their
substitution by less harmful substances or new processes, will
lead to the recovery of the ozone layer, whose depletion has
adverse effects on human health, animals, plants, micro-

organisms, marine life, materials, biogeochemical cycles, and air

quality.
AMBIENT CONCENTRATION OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN
URBAN AREAS
Sub-theme: Air quality Core indicator
Brief definition: Ambient air pollution concentrations of ozone,
particulate matter (PM10, and PM2,5, if those are not available:
SPM, black smoke), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead.
Additional air pollutants are carbon monoxide, nitrogen
monoxide and volatile organic compounds including benzene
(VOCs). The priority is collection of the indicator in large cities.
Description: The indicator provides a measure of the state of
the environment in terms of air quality and is an indirect
measure of population exposure to air pollution of health
concern in urban areas. Improving air quality is a significant
aspect of promoting sustainable human settlements.
H. LAND
LAND USE CHANGE
Sub-theme: Land use and status
Brief definition: The indicator measures changes of the
distribution of land uses within a country over time. Broad land

use categories are: Arable land, permanent cropland, permanent

pasture, forests and woodland, built-up areas, other. Finer
classifications may be chosen, if available and appropriate.
Description: The indicator provides information on changes
in the productive or protective uses of the land resource to
facilitate sustainable land use planning and policy development.
Such information is useful in identifying opportunities to protect
land uses or promote future allocation aimed at providing the
greatest sustainable benefits for people. Economically, changes
in land use will, for example, result in changes in possible
agricultural production and influence employment opportunities.
From an environmental point of view, unsustainable land use is
an important factor in land degradation, may pose a threat to
ecosystems, and lead to natural habitat loss and landscape
changes.
LAND DEGRADATION
Sub-theme: Land use and status
Brief definition: The share of land which due to natural
processes or human activity is no longer able to sustain properly
an economic function and/or the original ecological function.
Degraded land includes land affected by soil erosion,
deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or

economic properties of soil and/or long-term loss of natural

vegetation.
Description: The indicator measures the extent of land
degradation, which is an impediment to sustainable development
in general, and to sustainable agriculture in particular. In many
developing countries it is a major cause of poverty and further
environmental damage due to overuse of national resources. The
indicator can also be seen as an overall measure of the reduction
in quality of land resources.
LAND AREA AFFECTED BY DESERTIFICATION
Sub-theme: Desertification
Brief definition: The proportion of land in drylands that is
affected by desertification. Desertification is defined as land
degradation in arid, semiarid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting
from various factors, including climatic variations and human
activities.
Description: The indicator describes the extent and severity
of desertification at the national level. For dryland areas,
desertification is a central problem in sustainable development.
While many dryland ecosystems have generally low levels of
absolute productivity, maintenance of that productivity is critical
to the present and future livelihood of many hundreds of
millions of people. Combating desertification is, therefore, a

central sustainable development goal for large areas of the

world.
ARABLE AND PERMANENT CROP LAND AREA
Sub-theme: Agriculture Core indicator
Brief Definition: Arable and permanent crop land is the total
of arable land and land under permanent crops. Arable land
is the land under temporary crops, temporary meadows for
mowing or pasture, land under market and kitchen gardens and
land temporarily fallow (for less than five years); and land under
permanent crops is the land cultivated with crops that occupy
the land for long periods and need not be replanted after each
harvest.
Description: This indicator shows the amount of land
available for agricultural production and, inter alia, the cropland
area available for food production. In many developing
countries, rising food and fibre demand and a decline in farm
sizes forces small farmers to extend cultivation to new areas,
which are fragile and not suitable for cultivation. Crop
intensification,

which

has

contributed

significantly

to

agricultural growth in recent years, can ease the pressure on

cultivating new lands but farm practices adopted for raising
yields can also, in some situations, damage the environment.
This indicator is of value to land planning decision making.

FERTILIZER USE EFFICIENCY

Sub-theme: Agriculture
Brief definition: The indicator measures the extent of
fertilizer use recovery in agriculture per crop unit. Data on the
quantities of fertilizers used are converted into the three basic
nutrient components and aggregated. The three components are
nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P205), and potassium (K2 0).
Nutrient components of crops and their by-products are based
on their standardized chemical composition.
Description:

This

indicator

shows

the

potential

environmental pressure from inappropriate fertilizer application.

Intensive fertilizer application is linked to nutrient losses that
may lead to eutrophication of water bodies, soil acidification,
and potential contamination of water supply with nitrates. In
many countries, intensification of agricultural production is a
response to increases in food demand and in the scarcity of
agricultural land. It is necessary that this intensification keeps
negative impacts to the resource base and the wider environment
within bounds so that the sustainability of the system is not
threatened.
USE OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES
Sub-theme: Agriculture

Brief definition: Use of pesticides in metric tons of active

ingredients per unit of agricultural land area. This indicator
measures the use of pesticides in agriculture, which is linked to
the intensification of agriculture. Whereas pesticides may
increase agricultural production, they pose challenges to health
and environment. Pesticides tend to accumulate in the soil and
in biota, and residues may reach surface and groundwater
through leaching. Humans can be exposed to pesticides through
food.
AREA UNDER ORGANIC FARMING
Sub-theme: Agriculture
Brief definition: Ratio of total utilized agricultural area
occupied by organic farming to total utilized agricultural area.
Organic farming involves holistic production management
systems, for crops and livestock, emphasizing the

use of

management practices in preference to the use of off-farm

inputs. The indicator may be extended to cover organic forestry
and aquaculture.
Description: This indicator shows the importance of organic
farming. Organic farming contributes to reducing environmental
loading on soil and use of pesticides, herbicides and other
chemicals, combined with enhanced management of natural
resources, not only improves the health of ecosystems but also

fosters the health of animals and people and increases income

generation and communities self-reliance.
PROPORTION OF LAND AREA COVERED BY FORESTS
Sub-theme: Forests Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator measures the share of forest
area in total land area. When possible the area of primary forest
should also be reported on. The forest area is defined as land
spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 metres
and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to
reach these thresholds in situ. The indicator may further
distinguish between primary and other forests. The primary
forest area is defined as Naturally regenerating forest of native
species, where there are no clearly visible indications of human
activities and the ecological processes are not significantly
disturbed.
Description: The indicator allows for monitoring changes in the
area covered by forests over time. A continuing and fast
decreasing forest area in a country might be an alarm signal of
unsustainable practices in the forestry and agricultural sector.
Forests provide many significant resources and functions
including wood products and non-wood products, recreational
opportunities, habitat for wildlife, conservation of biological
diversity, water and soil, and play a crucial role in the global

carbon cycle. They support employment and traditional uses.

Primary forests are usually associated with high levels of
biological diversity, particularly in tropical regions. The area of
primary forest is an important indicator of the status of the forest
ecosystem as a whole.
FOREST TREES DAMAGED BY DEFOLIATION
Sub-theme: Forests
Brief definition: This indicator is defined as the percentage
of trees on forest and other wooded land in the defoliation
classes moderate, severe and dead. Defoliation is needle or leaf
loss in the assessable crown as compared with a reference tree.
Description: The purpose of the indicator is to provide
information on the state of forest defoliation. The extent of
defoliation provides an indication of the health of forests.
Defoliation is influenced by a combination of climatic factors
(especially drought), soil conditions, atmospheric pollution and
forest pathogens. The indicator, thus, provides information on
the impact of policies which reduce the occurrence of such
influencing factors, in particular air pollution.
AREA OF FOREST UNDER SUSTAINABLE FOREST
MANAGEMENT
Sub-theme: Forests

Brief definition: This indicator will measure the forest area

that is under sustainable forest management. It can be based on a
variety of information, including data on forest health, the extent
to which forests fulfill targets related to their environmental,
economic and social functions and on forest management
practices.
Description: The indicator will provide information on forest
management practices. Sustainable forest management for a
variety

of

uses

is

essential

to

achieving

sustainable

development. It is a critical means to eradicate poverty, to

significantly halt deforestation and to halt degradation of natural
resources and the loss of biodiversity.
I. OCEANS, SEAS AND COASTS
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION LIVING IN
COASTAL AREAS
Sub-theme: Coastal zone Core indicator
Brief definition: Percentage of total population living within
a 100 kilometres from the coast and 50 meters above sea level.
Other combinations of distance-to-coast and elevation may be
used as definition of coastal zones. Another approach is to
measure the population living in river delta areas, which are
important areas at the land-ocean interface.

Description: This indicator measures the concentration of

population in coastal areas, typically due to the economic
benefits that accrue from access to ocean navigation, coastal
fisheries, tourism and recreation. The indicator quantifies an
important driver of coastal ecosystem pressure, and it also
quantifies an important component of vulnerability to sea-level
rise and other coastal hazards. Among the most important
pressures are habitat conversion, land cover change, pollutant
loads, and introduction of invasive species. A high population
concentration in the low-elevation coastal zone (defined as less
than 10 meters elevation) increases a countrys vulnerability to
sea-level rise and other coastal hazards such as storm surges.
BATHING WATER QUALITY
Sub-theme: Coastal zone
Brief definition: The indicator describes the changes over
time in the quality of designated bathing waters (inland and
marine)

in

terms

microbiological

of

compliance

parameters

(total

with

standards

coliforms

and

for

faecal

coliforms) and physicochemical parameters (mineral oils,

surface-active substances and phenols).
Description: The indicator provides important information on
the environmental status of coastal waters. Violation of bathing
quality standards poses health risks for the population as well

economic risks to the tourism sector. The indicator also provides

information on the effectiveness of environmental regulation,
especially with regard to wastewater and marine pollution
caused by ships.
PROPORTION OF FISH STOCKS WITHIN THEIR SAFE
BIOLOGICAL LIMITS
Sub-theme: Fisheries Core indicator
Brief definition: Percentage of fish stocks exploited within
their level of maximum biological productivity, i.e., stocks that
are either Underexploited, Moderately exploited or Fully
exploited according to formal stock assessments based on a
FAO procedure. Stocks that are Overexploited, Depleted
and Recovering are outside their maximum biological
productivity.
Description: The indicator provides information on the state
of exploitation of fishery resources at the global, regional and
national levels. It measures the level of sustainable production
from capture fisheries, an important element of food security. It
is based on formal stock assessments, derived from national
and, for shared fish stocks, regional catch and effort statistics.
J. FRESHWATER
PROPORTION OF TOTAL WATER RESOURCES USED

Sub-theme: Water quantity Core indicator

Brief definition: Total annual volume of groundwater and
surface water withdrawn from its sources for human use (in the
agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors), expressed as a
percentage of the total volume of water available annually
through

the

hydrological

cycle (total

renewable

water

resources). The terms water resources and water use are

understood as freshwater resources and freshwater use.
Description: The indicator shows the degree to which total
renewable water resources are being exploited to meet the
countrys water demands and is thus a measure of water scarcity.
Scarce water could have negative effects on sustainability
constraining economic and regional development, and leading to
loss of biodiversity. It is an important measure of a countrys
vulnerability to water shortages.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Sub-theme: Water quality
Brief definition: Proportion of wastewater that is treated, in
order to reduce pollutants before being discharged to the
environment, by level of treatment (primary, secondary or
tertiary).

Description: This indicator assesses the potential level of

pollution from domestic and industrial/commercial point sources
entering the aquatic environment, and monitors progress
towards reducing this potential within the framework of
integrated water resources management. It helps to identify
communities where wastewater treatment action is required to
protect the ecosystem. Untreated or insufficiently treated
wastewater can result in increased nutrient levels, high levels of
organic matter and hazardous substances, posing threats to
aquatic ecosystems and human health.
K. BIODIVERSITY
Sub-theme: Ecosystem Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the share of
terrestrial area that has been reserved by law or other effective
means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment. It can
be calculated separately for different terrestrial ecological
regions. The indicator may also be disaggregated by
management category of the protected areas.
Description: The indicator represents the extent to which
areas important for conserving biodiversity, cultural heritage,
scientific research (including baseline monitoring), recreation,
natural resource maintenance, and other values, are protected
from incompatible uses. It shows how much of each major

ecosystem is dedicated to maintaining its diversity and integrity.

Protected areas are essential for maintaining ecosystem diversity
in countries and ecological regions, in conjunction with
management of human impacts on the environment.
FRAGMENTATION OF HABITAT
Sub-theme: Ecosystem
Brief definition: This indicator measures the fragmentation of
identified key habitats. For forests and other terrestrial habitat
types the patch size distribution of habitats may be derived from
vegetation information systems. For river fragmentation, defined
as the interruption of a rivers natural flow by dams, inter-basin
transfers or water withdrawal, fragmentation can be assessed
based on number, placement and amount of water stored behind
dams.
Description: The fragmentation of habitats caused by human
activities has significant, largely negative implications for their
native biodiversity, through the effects of area reduction, edge
exposure and isolation, as well as through interruption of
ecosystem processes and associated ecosystem degradation. The
indicator has the potential to illustrate the effectiveness of
national measures designed to conserve biological diversity.
L. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT PER CAPITA

Sub-theme: Macroeconomic performance Core indicator

Brief definition: Levels of gross domestic product (GDP) per
capita are obtained by dividing annual or period GDP at current
market prices by population. A variation of the indicator could
be the growth of real GDP per capita which is derived by
computing the annual or period growth rate of GDP in constant
basic producers or purchasers prices divided by corresponding
population. GDP is the sum of value-added of all production
units including all taxes and subsidies on products which are not
included in the valuation of output.
Description: The indicator is a basic economic growth
indicator and measures the level and extent of total economic
output. It reflects changes in total production of goods and
services. It is a powerful summary indicator of economic
development, even though it does not account for social and
environmental cost of production and consumption.
one year.
especially in developing countries with low amounts productive
capital.
GROSS SAVINGS
Sub-theme: Macroeconomic performance
Brief definition: The indicator is defined in national accounts
as gross disposable income (i.e. gross national income plus the
balance of current transfers with the rest of the world). If

available, the alternative net savings, i.e. gross savings less

capital depreciation, may provide superior information.
Both gross and net savings may be expressed as rates, i.e. as
gross (net) savings divided by gross (net) disposable income.
Description: The indicator measures the part of income
available for investment or, possibly, capital transfers to the rest
of the world. It provides important information on domestic
means of implementation for sustainable development. If
calculated as net savings, it is an important indicator for future
net wealth.
INFLATION RATE
Sub-theme: Macroeconomic performance
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the cost of living
as measured by the annual percentage increase of the consumer
price index. Consumer price indices are based on a
representative basket of goods and services purchased by
consumers in an economy. Composition and relative weights of
the basket are reviewed periodically.
Description: The indicator measures inflation, which if too
high hampers economic growth. High and unanticipated
inflation increases uncertainty and leads to inter-and intratemporal misallocation of resources as long as
prices

are

not

fully

unanticipated, has often

flexible.

Inflation,

especially

if

unwanted distributional effects, as it reduces real income of

fixed income earners and shifts wealth away from creditors to
debtors. Very high and accelerating inflation rates may be
caused by excessive financing of public debts
through seignorage and can be sign of unsustainable public
finances.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Sub-theme: Employment Core indicator
Brief definition: The employment-to-population ratio is
defined as the proportion of a countrys working-age population
that is employed. It is typically disaggregated by sex and by age
group.
Description: The employment-to-population ratio provides
information on the ability of an economy to create employment.
Employment, as opposed to unemployment, is viewed as the
desired portion of the economically active population (labour
force). Employment-to-population ratios are of particular
interest when broken down by sex, as they can provide
information on gender differences in labour market activity in a
given country. For policy purposes, employment-to-population
ratios of youth and old are particular relevant.
VULNERABLE EMPLOYMENT
Sub-theme: Employment
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the share of ownaccount workers and contributing family members in total

employed people. The indicator is based on the broader

indicator status in employment which distinguishes
between three categories of the total employed. These are: age
and salaried workers (also known as employees); self-employed
workers (employers, own-account workers and members of
producers cooperatives); contributing family workers (also
known as unpaid family workers). The indicator may be
broken down by sex.
Description: This indicator provides information how many
persons are vulnerable to economic risk because of weak
institutional employment arrangements. Own-account workers
and contributing family members are regarded as especially
vulnerable as they have by definition no formal work
arrangements and are therefore more likely to have a low degree
of job security and to lack access to social security. The
indicator provides information on the informalization of labor
markets, which may be associated with increasing and persistent
poverty. High values of the indicator may also indicate a large
agricultural sector in terms of employment, often associated
with low labour productivity and economic growth rates.
NUMBER OF INTERNET USERS PER POPULATION
Sub-theme: Information and communication technologies
Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator is computed by first dividing
the number of Internet users by total population, and then

multiplying by 100. Internet users are those who use the Internet
from any location. The Internet is defined as a world-wide
public computer network that provides access to a number of
communication services including the World Wide Web and
carries email, news, entertainment and data files. Internet access
may be via a computer, Internet-enabled mobile phone, digital
TV, games machine etc. Location of use can refer to any
location, including work.
Description: The number of Internet users is a measure of
Internet access and use. As an information distribution system,
the Internet and its usage provide opportunities for bringing
education and information within the reach of all. It can
significantly shorten time lags as well as open up a new range of
information resources. It also provides significant, new
economic opportunities as well as possibilities for more
environment-friendly options for the marketplace.
FIXED TELEPHONE LINES PER 100 POPULATION
Sub-theme: Information and communication technologies
Brief definition:The indicator is derived by dividing the
number of fixed telephone lines by total population and
multiplying by 100.
Description: This indicator is one of the broadest and most
common measurements of the degree of telecommunication
development in a country. Telecommunication is critical to
support sustainable development and is closely linked to social,

economic, and institutional development. It provides those in

rural and remote areas with closer contact to the outside world.
It is also a critical factor for many economic activities and
improves exchange of information among citizens. Modern
communications are considered to be relatively benign to the
environment, as they are potential substitutes for transport and
induce relatively low levels of environmental pollution. The
indicator is also used as a general infrastructure indicator.
M. GLOBAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT AS PERCENTAGE OF GDP
Sub-theme: Trade Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator is the balance of the current
account divided by gross domestic product. The current account
is part of the balance of payments and contains financial
transactions of economic value between residents and nonresidents of an economy. In the 5th edition of the balance of
payment manual, the current account components are the
balance of trade in goods and services, balance of income
(compensation of employees working abroad and income from
foreign investments) and current transfers (workers remittances
and government transfers).
Description: Current account balance is part of the measure of
an economys savings. Along with net capital transfers and
acquisition/disposal of nonproduced, non-financial assets, the
current account balance represents the net foreign investment or

net lending/borrowing position of a country vis--vis the rest of

the world. Persistent current account deficits or surpluses
indicate a macroeconomic instability that is not conducive to
sustained economic growth and, therefore, to sustained means of
implementation of sustainable development goals. A current
account deficit has to be financed through an increase in
financial and non-financial liabilities vis--vis the rest of the
world or a decrease in reserve assets. Repayment of these
liabilities decreases the resources future generations have
available for consumption and investment.
SHARE OF IMPORTS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
AND LDCS
Sub-theme: Trade
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the share of
merchandise imports from least-developed countries (LDCs)
and from other developing countries in total imports into the
reporting countries in a given year.
Description: Trade can play a major role in achieving
sustainable development. Exports from developing countries
and from LDCs constitute a major source of external financing
for sustainable development of those countries. For developed
country importers, the indicator is one measure of the relative
importance of North-South trade, whereas for developing
country importers it is a measure of South-South trade. The
indicator also provides information on the implementation of

international commitments to increase the trade opportunities of

developing countries.
AVERAGE TARIFF BARRIERS IMPOSED ON EXPORTS
FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND LDCS
Sub-theme: Trade Brief definition: The indicator can be
defined as the simple average tariff imposed by country on
exports from least-developed countries (LDCs) and from other
developing countries to the country. The indicator can be
disaggregated by product groups. The simple average tariff is
the unweighted
average of the effectively applied rates at the most detailed tariff
line level. Trade-weighted averages may also be used to
compute this indicator.
Description: Trade can play a major role in achieving
sustainable development. Tariff barriers imposed on exports
from developing countries and LDCs may hinder the sustainable
development in those countries. Especially if compared with
tariffs imposed on exports from developed countries, the
indicator provides information on whether the tariff structure of
a country is commensurate with fair trade principles. As the
basket of exported goods for many developing countries and
especially LDCs is relatively small, the indicator may be further
broken down into product groups.

NET OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE GIVEN OR

RECEIVED AS PERCENTAGE OF GROSS NATIONAL
INCOME
Sub-theme: External financing Core indicator
Brief definition: This indicator is defined as the total ODA
given or received as a share of GNI of the source or recipient
country, respectively, net of repayment of principal. When ODA
flows by donor countries are measured, ODA comprises
bilateral disbursements of concessional funds to developing
countries and multilateral institutions. When ODA receipts by
developing

countries

are

measured,

ODA

comprises

disbursement of concessional finance from both bilateral and

multilateral sources. ODA consists of grants and concessional
loans.
Description: The indicator is a measure of the size of flows
that are both concessional, and aimed mainly at promoting
development and welfare of developing countries. ODA remains
an important source of external means of implementation for
sustainable development in many developing countries. For
donor countries, the indicator provides information on the
adherence to the internationally agreed target of ODA to be at
least 0.7 % of GNI. For developing countries, the indicator
provides information on the contribution of foreign countries to
sustainable development as well as on their dependency on
foreign aid.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) NET INFLOWS

AND NET OUTFLOWS AS PERCENTAGE OF GDP
Sub-theme: External financing
Brief definition: This indicator is defined as the share of
foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows and of FDI net
outflows in GDP. FDI is investment made to acquire a lasting
interest in or effective control over an enterprise operating
outside of the economy of the investor. FDI net inflows and net
outflows include reinvested earnings and intra-company loans,
and are net of repatriation of capital and repayment of loans.
Description: The indicator shows the provision of external
financing resources in the form of direct investments at home
from foreign investors and abroad from domestic investors. For
many developing countries, FDI inflows are a major and
relatively stable source of external financing and thereby
provide important means of implementation of sustainable
development goals. In many cases, FDI also contributes to the
transfer of technology and management skills. Conversely, FDI
outflows have the potential to improve sustainable development
in receiving countries. Sustained increases in FDI inflows are
often a sign of an improved general investment climate.
REMITTANCES AS PERCENTAGE OF GNI
Sub-theme: External financing
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as total current
private transfers received by residents in a country plus

compensation of employees earned by nonresident workers and

migrants transfers divided by Gross National Income (GNI).
Description: This indicator shows the extent of financial
benefit for a country from temporary and permanent movements
of its residents who are able to work abroad. For many
countries, remittances are a major and stable source of external
financing

and

thereby

provide

important

means

of

implementation of sustainable development goals. As a result of

increased globalization the importance of remittances has been
rapidly increasing in the last decade.
N. CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS
MATERIAL INTENSITY OF THE ECONOMY
Sub-theme: Material consumption Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the ratio of
Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) to Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) at constant prices. DMC is defined as the total
amount of materials (measured by weight) directly used in the
economy (used domestic extraction plus imports), minus the
materials that are exported.
Description: The indicator provides a basis for policies to
decouple the growth of the economy from the use of natural
resources in order to reduce environment degradation resulting
from primary production, material processing, manufacturing
and waste disposal. Reducing the material intensity of
production and consumption of goods and services is essential

to

environmental

protection

and

resource

conservation.

Reductions in intensity of material use can be achieved by more

efficient

use

of

natural

resources

in

production

and

consumption, by recycling used and waste material, and by

shifts in consumption patterns to less material intensive goods
and services.
DOMESTIC MATERIAL CONSUMPTION
Sub-theme: Material consumption
Brief Definition: Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) is
defined as the weight of the total amount of materials directly
used in the economy (used domestic extraction plus imports),
minus the materials that are exported. Materials may be broken
down by type of material (minerals, biomass, fossil fuels).
Description: DMC is a useful indicator, as it provides an
assessment of the absolute level of use of resources. Primary
production of raw materials, processing of the materials into
products, and ultimate disposal of the waste material has major
environmental impacts. The indicator provides a basis for
policies to increase the efficient use of raw materials in order to
conserve natural resources and reduce environment degradation
resulting

from

primary

extraction,

material

processing,

manufacturing and waste disposal.

ANNUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION, TOTAL AND BY
MAIN USER CATEGORY
Sub-theme: Energy Core indicator

Brief definition: The indicator is defined as the total energy

consumption (total primary energy supply or total final
consumption) in the economy (in tonnes of oil equivalents). It
can be broken down by main user category.
Description: This indicator measures the level of energy use
and reflects the energy-use patterns in the economy overall and
in different sectors. Energy is a key factor in economic
development and in providing vital services that improve quality
of life. Although energy is a key requirement for economic
progress, its production, use and by-products have resulted in
major pressures on the environment, both by depleting resources
and by creating pollution.
SHARE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN TOTAL
ENERGY USE
Sub-theme: Energy
Brief definition: The share of renewable sources in total
primary energy supply or total energy consumption. Renewable
energy sources are divided into non-combustible (geothermal,
hydro, solar, wind, tide and wave) and combustible renewables
and waste (biomass, animal products, municipal waste and
industrial waste). Non-renewables are fossil fuels (coal, crude
oil, petroleum products, gas) and nuclear.
Description: The promotion of energy, and in particular of
electricity from renewable sources of energy, is a high priority
of sustainable development for several reasons. Energy from

renewables

can

increase

energy

security

and

lead

to

diversification of energy supply. It reduces environmental

degradation

caused

by

non-renewable

energy

sources,

contributes to the mitigation of climate change and reduces the

depletion of natural resources.
INTENSITY

OF

ENERGY

USE,

TOTAL

AND

BY

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Sub-theme: Energy
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as energy use (of the
economy in total and of the main sectors) divided by gross
domestic product (or value added in case of a sector).
Description: Declining trends in overall energy use relative to
GDP (or value added) indicate that the economy is able to
improve its energy efficiency and, hence, to decouple economic
growth from energy consumption. Improving energy efficiency
has beneficial effects on energy security and reduces pressures
from economic activities on the environment.
GENERATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management Core indicator
Brief definition: The total amount of hazardous wastes
generated per year through industrial or other waste generating
activities, according to the definition of hazardous waste as
referred to in the Basel Convention and other related
conventions.

Description: The indicator provides a measure of the extent

and type of industrialization in a country and the nature of
industrial activities including

technologies and processes

generating hazardous wastes. The generation of hazardous

wastes has a direct impact on health and the environment.
Normally, long-term exposure is required before harmful effects
are seen. Reduced generation of hazardous wastes may indicate
reduced industrial activities in a country, introduction of cleaner
production in the industrial processes, changing patterns in
consumers habits, or changes in national hazardous waste
legislation.
GENERATION OF WASTE
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management
Brief definition: The amount of all waste, both hazardous and
nonhazardous, generated by selected main groups of industries
or sectors of the economy, expressed per capita and per unit of
value added (in US $) by economic activity (at constant prices).
Description: The main purpose is to show the trend in the
generation of waste produced by different human activities.
Waste represents a considerable loss of resources both in the
form of materials and energy. The treatment and disposal of the
generated waste may cause environmental pollution and expose
humans to harmful substances and bacteria, and therefore
impact on human health. Waste generated per unit of value-

added shows if there is decoupling of waste generation from

economic growth.
WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management
Brief definition: Percentage of waste which is recycled;
composted; incinerated; and landfilled on a controlled site.
Description: The indicator measures the proportion of waste
generated, which is recycled, composted, incinerated, or
landfilled on a controlled site. It gives an indication of the
environmental impact of waste management in the country. The
proper treatment and disposal of waste is important from an
environmental and social viewpoint but can be an economic
burden on industries, municipalities and households. The
amount of waste recycled and composted reduces the demand
for raw materials, leading to a reduction in resource extraction.
There may also be a benefit of increased income generation for
the urban poor through recycling schemes.
MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE
Sub-theme: Waste generation and management
Brief definition: Progress in the management of radioactive
waste is measured against key milestones related to both the
processing of waste into forms suitable for either safe storage or
for placement into a designated endpoint (the form factor) and
to the placement of waste into an endpoint facility (endpoint
factor). Radioactive waste from various sources, such as

nuclear power generation and other nuclear fuel cycle related

activities, radioisotope production and use for applications in
medicine, agriculture, industry and research, is considered.
Description: The purpose of the indicator is to represent the
progress in managing the various radioactive wastes that arise
from the nuclear fuel cycle and/or from nuclear applications. It
provides a measure of both the current status of radioactive
waste management at any time and the progress made over time
towards the overall sustainability of radioactive waste
management.
Radioactive waste, if not properly managed, can have a direct
impact on health and the environment through exposure to
ionizing radiation.
MODAL SPLIT OF PASSENGER TRANSPORT
Sub-theme: Transport Core indicator
Brief definition: The indicator measures the share of each
mode (passenger cars, buses and coaches, and trains) in total
inland passenger transport, measured in passenger-km.
Description: The indicator provides information on the
relative importance of different modes for passenger transport.
The use of cars for passenger transportation is generally less
energy efficient and has greater environmental and social
impacts, such as pollution, global warming as well as a higher
accident rate, than mass transit.
MODAL SPLIT OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Sub-theme: Transport
Brief definition: The indicator measures the share of each
mode (road, rail and inland waterways) in total inland freight
transport, measured in tonne-km.
Description: The indicator provides information on the
relative importance of different modes for freight transport.
Road transport is less energy efficient and produces more
emissions per tonne kilometer than either rail or inland
waterways transport. Therefore, the use of road for freight
transport has greater environmental and social impacts, such as
pollution, global warming, as well as a higher accident rate, than
either rail or inland waterways transport.
ENERGY INTENSITY OF TRANSPORT
Sub-theme: Transport
Brief definition: The indicator is defined as fuel used per unit
of freight kilometer (km) hauled and per unit of passenger-km
traveled by mode.
Description: The indicator measures how much energy is
used for moving both goods and people. Transport serves
economic and social development through the distribution of
goods and services and through personal mobility. At the same
time, transport is a major user of energy, mostly in the form of
oil products, which makes transport the most important driver
behind growth in global oil demand. Energy use for transport
therefore contributes to the depletion of natural resources, to air

pollution and to climate change. Reducing energy intensity in

transport can reduce the environmental impacts of this sector
while maintaining its economic and social benefits.