The conventional way to develop Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) relies on expertise and top-down approach to develop indicators that are categorized into three distinct environmental, economic and social lists without much inter-relation among them. In this approach, the lack of community participation and inter-relation in SDI construction undermines the effectiveness in achieving sustainable development (SD) as a participatory and holistic concept and practice. This thesis explores a framework through which community participation can be integrated into three-dimensional (3D) SDI development....[ Read more ]

The conventional way to develop Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) relies on expertise and top-down approach to develop indicators that are categorized into three distinct environmental, economic and social lists without much inter-relation among them. In this approach, the lack of community participation and inter-relation in SDI construction undermines the effectiveness in achieving sustainable development (SD) as a participatory and holistic concept and practice. This thesis explores a framework through which community participation can be integrated into three-dimensional (3D) SDI development.

In this multi-sited research on SDIs, three fieldwork sites, namely expert, intermediate and grassroot sites were identified for explorations and experimentations. The research objectives are: (1) to gathers views from experts and NGO workers (in the intermediate site) on developing a framework for adopting community-oriented approach in constructing SDIs for the social sectors in HK; (2) to examine whether the experts and the community can play complementary roles in developing more relevant, integrated and effective 3D social-based SDIs for HK and (3) to explore the limitations and contributions of the newly proposed SDI construction framework and the SDI set by conducting experimental mini SDI exercises at community level. During the research process, continuous adjustments were made to make way for juxtaposition for comparison and contrast and for identification of possible connections among sites. The research thus focuses on dialogues, mutual learning and possibilities.

The community-oriented approach in developing 3D SDIs is an alternative approach in need of application and development. It is organic, people-focused and participatory that helps to develop SDIs to guide policies and achieve SD goals. The building of simple, easy-to-understand, interrelated though not exhaustive 3D social-based SDIs that pay due attention to the interrelatedness of social, environmental and economic well-being has the potential to enhance understandability, relevance and meaningfulness of SDIs among the public and to further achieve mutual learning, empowerment-with-responsibility, meaningful exchanges and consensus in working for more balanced development.