A review of the application and evolution of the DPSIR framework with an emphasis on coastal social-ecological systems

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe applications of the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework were reviewed for several Social-Ecological Systems (SES), with an emphasis on the coastal environment. The evolution of DPSIR was traced from the Stress-Response framework to its present form. Discrepancies in the definitions of the DPSIR's information categories are presented. The application of the framework was explored both as a discrete tool and combined with other methods for different coastal and estuarine systems and biodiversity. The overall merits and limitations of the DPSIR framework are discussed in a critique. Several recommendations are suggested for refining the framework to overcome its limitations. Finally it is concluded that an updated DPSIR framework is a useful adaptive management tool for analyzing and identifying solutions to environmental problems.

Unpacking Changes in Mangrove Social-Ecological Systems: Lessons from Brazil, Zanzibar, and Vietnam

“…For this reason, we find it an appropriate guide through which to organize our analysis of an SES. The DPSIR framework has been used to study policy responses in SESs [22] and to develop adaptive management approaches [23]. It has been applied to identify responses to coastal vulnerability [24], the impacts of aquaculture [25], and the effects of pollution in marine environments ( [26], see also the review in [23]), but it has not yet been used to specifically consider change in mangrove SESs.…”

Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity across the Freshwater, Coastal and Marine Realms: Is the existing EU policy framework fit for purpose?

“…A literature review was carried out to identify existing definitions of DPSIR and how relevant they were to support the analysis of European policy responses to aquatic biodiversity loss (Elliott et al, 2017;Patrício et al, 2016;Anzaldúa et al, 2016;Gari et al, 2015;Hering et al, 2015;Haines-Young and Potschin, 2013;Maes et al, 2013;CIS, 2011;Fisher et al, 2009). Based on existing definitions and because of a need for consistency across freshwater, coastal and marine realms, a set of definitions was developed for the purpose of the policy analysis.…”

“…Consolidated definition of the DPSIR framework for freshwater, coastal and marine aquatic realms. Based on the work of Anzaldúa et al (2016), Gari et al (2015), Haines-Young and Potschin (2013), Maes et al (2013), CIS (2011) and Fisher et al (2009) pressures. The six selected pressures are presented in Table 2 together with their link to biodiversity loss, related drivers and their significance and trend.…”

Bridging the Gap between Policy and Science in Assessing the Health Status of Marine Ecosystems

“…Even in the recent past, stakeholders frequently used the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State change, Impact and Response) interlinking framework (e.g., Atkins et al, 2011;Smith et al, 2014), without clearly defining each element. Hence, the wide use of DPSIR model (Gari et al, 2015;Lewison et al, 2016;Patrício et al, 2016a) not only introduced many variants and perpetuated confusion but also made it not-fit-forpurpose in providing management guidance.…”