Abstract

A systematic framework of indicators for sustainability is presented In our approach there is an emphasis on societal activities that affect nature and on the internal societal resource use In this way the indicators may give a warning signal to an unsustainable use of resources early in the chain from causes in societal activities to environmental effects The aim is that socio-ecological indicators shall serve as a tool in planning and decisionmaking processes at various levels in society The formulation of the indicators is made with respect to four principles of sustainability which lead to four complementary sets of indicators