Framing an independent, integrated and evidence-based evaluation of the state of Australia's biophysical and human environments

Abstract

A new approach was developed for Australia's 2011 national State of the Environment (SoE) report to integrate the assessment of biophysical and human elements of the environment. A Common Assessment and Reporting Framework (CARF) guided design and implementation, responding to jurisdictional complexity, outstanding natural diversity and ecosystem values, high levels of cultural and heritage diversity, and a paucity of national-scale data. The CARF provided a transparent response to the need for an independent, robust and evidence-based national SoE report. We conclude that this framework will be effective for subsequent national SoE assessments and other integrated national-scale assessments in data-poor regions.

Keywords:

• environment report card
• conceptual framework
• integrated performance assessment
• expert elicitation
• consultative process

Acknowledgements

This manuscript was improved by guidance and input from Nancy Dahl-Tacconi (formerly DSEWPaC). The analysis reported here does not necessarily represent the views or the official position of the Australian Government, or the Australian Government Department of the Environment. The process and outcomes were made possible by the contributions of many consulted experts, reviews and colleagues across many disciplines and organisations, to whom we are grateful (listed at SoEC 2011, 898–903). The work reported here was funded and supported by DSEWPaC, and we recognise the high level of professional support provided by the DSEWPaC SoE Team and other staff, the professional support of Biotext information consultancy (biotext.com.au), the vision of the commissioning Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts (Peter Garrett) in presenting us with this challenge, and the support of the presenting Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Tony Burke) in accepting and delivering the final report to Australia. PTH publishes with the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia.