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The DPSIR-framework
LEGEND OF DPSIR-SYMBOLS
The DPSIR-framework visualises the relation between society, the environment, nature and nature policy.
In the European Union the European Environment Agency (EEA) uses the DPSIR-framework to report the state of the environment and its impact on biodiversity. Also in Flanders the Environment Report (MIRA) and the Nature Report (NARA) use this model to structure their indicators.
Of course such a model presents a synthesised and strongly simplified picture of reality. It can be used as a signal or 'traffic light' for the policy community or for the interested citizen, to clarify and visualize important trends. It is however also recommended to also consider the accompanying texts. They give supplementary comments and nuances on the 'indications' of the DPRIR-model to obtain a more balanced picture.
D (driving forces)
Various kinds of driving forces related to human activities, like industry, agriculture and spatial planning affect the environment and biodiversity. Also general social factors like demography and economic growth or natural phenomena affect the environment and ecosystems in a direct or indirect way.
P (pressure)
Pressure on the environment occur in a variety of ways, for instance through the emission of eutrophic, acid or polluting substance; through extraction of water from the soil or through building in open spaces. 'Environment' refers here primarily to soil, air and water
S (state)
Refers to the disturbance of the state of the abiotic environment, for instance to the eutrophication and acidification of soil and water, to climate change and to the dehydration of soil. These environmental changes correspond with changes in the habitats of flora and fauna.
I (impact)
The state of the environment determines to a large extent the collectives of plants and animals that can thrive in a given area. The genetic diversity, the diversity of species and the diversity of ecological processes that can be found in a given area are synthesised as 'biodiversity'. The state of the environment of course not only has an impact on biodiversity, but also on human health and on the long-term prospects of the economy (e.g. sustainability of economic growth).
Rg (response government)
Environmental and nature policy is the government's response to reverse unwanted disturbances of the environment and nature. By developing policy plans and taking policy measures the government tries to influence social processes (e.g. financial stimuli for target groups), environmental processes (e.g. water purification) or ecological processes (e.g. conservation management).
Rs (response society)
The government cannot solve all environmental and ecological disturbances by itself. Instead this requires an active co-operation between various stakeholders, including business sectors, the agricultural community, non governmental organizations (ngos) and the public at large. For instance, the response of society is present in initiatives in sustainable development in farming and industry, and in conservation management by ngos. In this way government and society become 'co-producers' of policy. Since society's response is strongly intertwined with the driving forces, they coincide in the graphical presentation of the DPSIR-framework.
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