PROGES reference methodologies and software tools

Throughout the execution of its projects, PROGES has developed and is continuously improving its set of structured and documented methodological packages to enhance quality standards in the implementation of a variety of sustainable development projects typologies.

The use of one or more software tools specifically developed by PROGES may often be integrated in the application of the said methodological packages.

Below some of the most popular methods and tools.

The PROGES-ISP is a user-friendly Microsoft Windows application that can support the implementation of several planning and management pursuits. The main window of the software shows maps, tables or charts, system diagrams, and a space for notes, comments, or a report draft. It gives the opportunity to visualise different kind of data and information, with the view to compare the various system components targeted by a possible management action. The software also includes a tool (hyperlink) that automatically links and/or embed any of the items displayed in the software windows in an advanced free-text editing reporting tool.

The Ecosystem Context Analysis is a methodological tool providing straight-forward paths for multi-stakeholder analyses. It allows establishing and managing a participatory analytical process, which ensures an effective dialogue between stakeholders from the civil society, technical and/or scientific organisations, and administrative institutions toward reaching a common understanding of the relevant management context.

This procedure is based on deterministic rather than statistical or algorithmic ecological assessments to identify and assess the relationships between ecosystem components, functions, and services, along with associated human activities.

The System Cause-Effect Analysis is a straightforward procedure for developing an integrated set of ecosystem-based management actions for a given spatial domain using the model resulting from the Ecosystem Context Analysis.

This analysis is jointly executed by all relevant stakeholders during a workshop which lasts two-three days depending on the management complexity of the given application case; the execution of this workshop is eased using the PROGEs-ISP software suite.