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The International Committee on Environmental Indices (ICEI) was organized within the framework of the well-known International Society for Ecological Modeling (ISEM) during the 1st International Conference, „Environmental Indices: Systems Analysis Approach, or „INDEX-97," which took place in St.-Petersburg, Russia, 7-11 July, 1997. ICEI is an international, nonprofit (open membership) professional organization of scientists dedicated to promoting the international exchange of ideas, scientific results, and general knowledge in the application of systems analysis techniques and methodologies (e.g., statistics, conceptual and computer models, et al) for the development of environmental indices. ICEI is a forum for both scientists and decision-makers to exchange both information and experience, and for developing collaborative programs.

Indicators and Indices: towards an integrated framework

Mission statement: to support the development of environmental indicators and indices with theory and practice from ecological, social, economic, systems-based and other disciplines at multiple scales. One of the main experiences in environmental research thus far, is that the reductionistic approach based on aspect-compartment oriented research methods has failed in analyzing adequately complex, multidisciplinary, large-scale environmental phenomena. A more promising way seems to be the holistic, integrated approach, based on a systems-oriented analysis, which concentrates on the interactions and feedback mechanisms between the different subsystems of cause-effect chains rather than focusing on each subsystem in isolation, usable by a broad range of disciplines.

These tasks shall be achieved through the following:

  • identification of key attributes from ecological theory and process knowledge;
  • the incorporation of transdisciplinary methods (e.g. systems analysis approach, mathematical modeling, ecological and human health, information systems, decision-support systems, etc.) for integration of knowledge to cross-disciplines,
  • the application of methods to address national and global issues.

ICEI objectives

The objectives of the International Committee on Environmental Indices are:

  • to support the development of indicators and indices with theory and practice;
  • to utilize the existing methodologies and techniques of systems analysis for the development of environmental indices and to advocate the development of new approaches, methods, and technologies for the practice of environmental indices design and implementation;
  • to foster international, inter- and multidisciplinary communication and collaboration among scientists, universities, government agencies, industry, and public sectors for the development of environmental indices by coalesce and dissemination of information and provision of conferences, workshops and training on the application of the development of environmental indicators and indices;

ICEI Activities

  • organization of biennial International Conferences INDEX and intermediate Workshops in different countries on various aspects of the application of systems analysis approach for the development of environmental indices:
  • INDEX97 International Conference „Environmental Indices: Systems Analysis Approach" took place on 7-11 July 1997 in St.-Petersburg, Russia. INDEX98 Workshop was organized on 10-14 July 1998 in Soelk Valley, Austria. INDEX99 International Conference „Indices and Indicators of Sustainable Development" will take place on 11-15 July 1999 in St.-Petersburg, Russia.
  • organization of international projects,
  • organization of training workshops, the inter-disciplinary teaching and technical training programs devoted entirely to application of systems analysis approach for the development of environmental indices.