In the context of IW Projects, a number of different goal/objective setting approaches have been used in the TDA/SAP process. However, two have been predominant:

• Ecosystem Quality Objective (EcoQO) approach[1]
  • Sometimes referred to as Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) or Water Resource Objectives (WROs)
  • Comprise of long-term EcoQO’s followed by shorter-term targets
  • Generally used by projects focussed on enclosed seas, fresh water and groundwater systems
  • Examples include: Caspian Sea, Dnipro River Basin, Black Sea, Lake Victoria, Lake Chad, Western Indian Ocean, Nubian Aquifer

• Goals and Objectives approach
  • Classic strategic planning approach
  • Sometimes referred to as targets and objectives; targets and activities or combinations thereof
  • Generally comprises of longer term goals or targets followed by shorter term objectives or activities
  • More often, although not exclusively, used by LME projects
  • Examples include: Guinea Current LME, Mediterranean LME (biodiversity), South China Sea LME, Mekong River Basin

Both approaches are valid and as stated before will depend on the type of system and the cultural, political and economic realities of the region. However, for the purposes of this Wiki, a process using goals in conjunction with objectives will be described although the process could easily be adapted for developing EcoQOs/ECOs/WROs.

[1] OSPAR Commission, 2009, EcoQO Handbook: Handbook for the application of EcoQOs in the North Sea