Individual datasets that do not belong to any series.
The survey charted experts' views on ecological thresholds in coastal areas.
First, the perceived importance of various thresholds was examined. The respondents were presented with a two-dimensional graph, which probed their views on the probability of the existence of various thresholds vis-à-vis the capacity of present management and governance structures to prevent exceeding these thresholds. In addition, they were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on exceeding various thresholds. Another two-dimensional graph was used to probe views on the current level of public acceptance of the measures needed to avoid passing ecological thresholds vis-à-vis the level of current scientific knowledge on the measures needed to avoid passing the thresholds. Finally, the respondents were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on the knowledge of ecological thresholds and on management strategies for them.
Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, education, country, and field of expertise.
The survey was distributed to experts familiar with environmental protection and ecological thresholds in coastal areas. The sample population consisted of 1,076 e-mail addresses. It is likely that some additional responses came from persons outside the sample, because the respondents who refused to participate in the survey were encouraged to forward the invitation to a potentially interested colleague. Additionally, the invitation to participate to the survey was sent to the PRD e-mail list co-ordinated by the Resilience Alliance. This list consists of about 320 members. The total number of responses was 321, out of which one contained no data.