Public policy should be based upon objective criteria that assures the prop
er management of coral reefs in Colombia. Four matrices of environmental an
d socioeconomic indicators have been characterized, in coral reef area per
year, in order to monitor changes of quality and quantity of natural resour
ces, while pointing out the benefits they provide to the community, as well
as the effectiveness of management. Users of the reef, such as fishermen,
tourists, coastal developers, researchers, students and managers need to be
involved in monitoring programs and objective decision making. Internation
al programs such as CARICOMP and Reef Check provide the data required for e
ach matrix which serves as an instrument to discuss with the community tren
ds at regional and global scales, and as a way to implement strategies of N
ational Policy for Integrated Coastal Management. Monitoring these indicato
rs with the community can enhance public participation to achieve social be
nefits and to make environmental policies work.