Challenges and experiences in implementing a management effectiveness evaluation program in a protected area system

Abstract

Evaluation of management effectiveness in protected areas is increasingly being recognised as a management imperative. Such evaluations facilitate adaptive management to help improve planning processes, provide greater clarity to managers in determining priorities, and support the decision-making process through continuous learning. However, there are considerable challenges in implementing an evaluation program of an entire protected area system: ownership of the evaluation process must occur at all levels of the management agency; a reliable process needs to be developed; a system for information sharing is required; a culture of learning needs to be encouraged and supported; and an appreciation of the range of useful qualitative and quantitative evidence has to be fostered. In NSW, this evaluation process has been established through a State of the Parks program. This article explores some of the key challenges associated with the development of this program and identifies some of the lessons that have been learned.

Keywords:

• protected areas
• evaluation
• management effectiveness
• adaptive management