Monitoring ecological and socioeconomic indicators for coral reef management in Colombia

Public policy should be based upon objective criteria that assures the proper management of coral reefs in Colombia. Four matrices of environmental and socioeconomic indicators have been characterized, in coral reef area per year, in order to monitor changes of quality and quantity of natural resources, while pointing out the benefits they provide to the community, as well as the effectiveness of management. Users of the reef, such as fishermen, tourists, coastal developers, researchers, students and managers need to be involved in monitoring programs and objective decision making. International programs such as CARICOMP and Reef Check provide the data required for each matrix which serves as an instrument to discuss with the community trends at regional and global scales, and as a way to implement strategies of National Policy for Integrated Coastal Management. Monitoring these indicators with the community can enhance public participation to achieve social benefits and to make environmental policies work.