An essential component for MSP is a sound information base,
comprising both natural and social science information. Using the
information, applied research must be conducted to reduce the
uncertainty of management decisions related to the effects on
both natural and socioeconomic systems [1,9]. However, the
development of approach and methods for decision analysis for
MSP, particularly at the policy level, is still in early stages.
Traditional project appraisal methods, such as feasibility analysis,
suitability analysis, and environmental impact assessment, have
limited capability to handle a region-wide analysis on a macroscopic
scale. As Cordier et al. [19] has critiqued, the prevailing use
of “narrow-system-boundary” tools which are non-holistic is one
of the factors impeding sustainability. Although innovative decision
frameworks, such as strategic environmental assessment and
sustainability appraisal, have been developed at a conceptual level,
operational instruments that are able to explicitly represent social,
economic and environmental performance of planning alternatives
are still deficient. The lack of explicit decision-support tools
has been recognized as a problem for implementing MSP [20].