title: Ten common mistakes in designing biodiversity indicators for forest policy.
abstract: This paper identifies 10 common 'mistakes' in developing and using forest biodiversity indicators from the standpoint of making better forest management choices. The mistakes relate to a failure to clarify the values-basis for indicator selection and a failure to integrate science and values to design indicators that are concise, relevant and meaningful to decision makers. The combined effects of these ten mistakes include inconsistent and indefensible on-ground management strategies and hidden trade-offs at a policy level. They result in frustrated professionals, a confused public, an inability to assess performance with respect to key forest policy objectives and, almost certainly, types and amounts of biodiversity conservation that fail to achieve either scientifically or socially preferred levels. Correcting the mistakes will help to address these problems and, more generally, recognizes the need to better understand the interface between science, public values, and decision making.
authors.affiliation: Compass Resource Management, Suite 200, 1260 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 2S8. lfailing@compassrm.com
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Failing
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gregory
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004777:Environment; D016468:Forestry; D011050:Policy Making; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012945:Social Values