Ecosystem service logic models and metrics for planning and monitoring Gulf of Mexico coastal restoration projects

Billions of dollars are being spent on restoration of Gulf of Mexico ecosystems with the intent to bolster the environment and revitalize coastal communities and economies. While it is clear that many restoration funders and practitioners aim to create environmental and human benefits, most projects do not report on social and economic outcomes. The few exceptions use inconsistent metrics that complicate comparing project successes or rolling up Gulf-wide impacts. Without a consistent approach for identifying and measuring restoration impacts on communities and the economy, funders and practitioners run the risk of using funds inefficiently or failing to meet goals for community resilience and economic recovery. The Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Logic Models & Socio-Economic Indicators (GEMS) project aimed to help overcome these challenges by (1) developing ecosystem service logic models that enable the selection of restoration projects likely to achieve target economic and social goals and (2) identifying a set of core metrics that enable consistent measurement of social and economic outcomes from Gulf restoration. The metrics and models serve as a starting point and should be tailored to each project.