A Framework to Conceptualize Sustainable Development Goals for Fishing Gear Resource Management

Abstract

In response to the growing concerns of global environmental damage and resource depletion, UN launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Using SDGs to develop sustainable systems and practices requires tools that link goals and actions. This study provides a systems engineering framework to operationalize SDGs and develop strategies to attain goals and targets. The approach is based on a multidisciplinary process initiated by system and stakeholder analysis before developing sustainability goals, targets and indicators. These are used to identify and analyze strategies for system improvement. A case study using SDGs to improve fishing gear resource management (FGRM) is provided to illustrate the framework. The study shows that the proposed framework may assist decision-makers in translating SDGs to improved practices in a consistent, traceable and transparent manner.