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Ecosystem service logic models and metrics for planning and monitoring Gulf of Mexico coastal restoration projects

Authors: Olander, Lydia, Katie Warnell, Sara Mason, Rachel Karasik, David Yoskowitz, Katya Wowk, Lauren Hutchison, Kara Coffey, Chris Hale, and Heather Tallis
Published On: Jan 03 2023 20:43 UTC
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7266/v0r5vedp
UDI: H3.x877.000:0001
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Project Information

Funded By:
National Academies of Sciences Gulf Research Program

Funding Cycle:
Healthy Ecosystems 3

Research Group:
Standard Logical Models and Metrics for Gulf Restoration: Linking Project Outcomes to Economic, Health, and Well-Being Benefits for People

Point of Contact

Lydia Olander
Duke University
lydia.olander@duke.edu

Theme keywords

social, economic, restoration, metrics, monitoring, ecosystem services, GEMS, Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Logic Models & Socio-Economic Indicators, logic models

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Abstract:

Billions of dollars are being spent on restoration of Gulf of Mexico ecosystems with the intent to bolster the environment and revitalize coastal communities and economies. While it is clear that many restoration funders and practitioners aim to create environmental and human benefits, most projects do not report on social and economic outcomes. The few exceptions use inconsistent metrics that complicate comparing project successes or rolling up Gulf-wide impacts. Without a consistent approach for identifying and measuring restoration impacts on communities and the economy, funders and practitioners run the risk of using funds inefficiently or failing to meet goals for community resilience and economic recovery. The Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Logic Models & Socio-Economic Indicators (GEMS) project aimed to help overcome these challenges by (1) developing ecosystem service logic models that enable the selection of restoration projects likely to achieve target economic and social goals and (2) identifying a set of core metrics that enable consistent measurement of social and economic outcomes from Gulf restoration. The metrics and models serve as a starting point and should be tailored to each project.

Suggested Citation:

Olander, Lydia, Katie Warnell, Sara Mason, Rachel Karasik, David Yoskowitz, Katya Wowk, Lauren Hutchison, Kara Coffey, Chris Hale, and Heather Tallis. 2023. Ecosystem service logic models and metrics for planning and monitoring Gulf of Mexico coastal restoration projects. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/v0r5vedp

Purpose:

The Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Logic Models & Socio-Economic Indicators (GEMS) project helps to better characterize and classify social and economic outcomes of coastal restoration in the Gulf of Mexico by laying the groundwork for consistent and widespread reporting on these impacts of restoration investments.

Data Parameters and Units:

This dataset includes logic models that describe the social and economic outcomes of 23 different coastal restoration project types commonly used in the Gulf. Each model has an accompanying context document that describes the restoration project type and its use in the Gulf, external factors that influence restoration success, and details on why particular elements of the system were included (or not) in the models. The dataset additionally includes a metrics database that details metrics that could be used to monitor common social and economic outcomes of coastal restoration.

Methods:

The GEMS project was conducted in two phases. Phase I focused on understanding the various types of oyster reef restoration occurring in the Gulf and how they contribute to social and economic well-being. Phase II builds on the approach developed in phase I and applies it to a broader spectrum of restoration approaches – including other habitat restoration, hydrological reconnection, recreational enhancement, and water quality improvement projects – currently being used or planned across the five US States along the Gulf of Mexico.