Developing a standardised assessment system for natural World Heritage sites
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Developing a standardised assessment system for
natural World Heritage sites
The Enhancing our Heritage
Project
Sue Stolton, Equilibrium Consultants
WCPA Protected Area Assessment FrameworkAn overall structure and some principles
Assessments aimed at identifying major trends and issues across networks
(e.g. WWF RAPPAM, State of the Parks assessments)
Quick-to-use generic tools looking at common issues over multiple sites
(e.g. World Bank/WWF Tracking Tool, PROARCA-CAPAS)
Detailed monitoring and assessment sites(e.g. World Heritage Enhancing our Heritage project)
One framework, many systems
Simple questionnaire approaches relying on
expert judgement
Site level data-driven approaches relying on regular monitoring and
assessment
Enhancing our HeritageMonitoring and Managing for Success in Natural World Heritage Areas
Project aims• To work with managers of World
Heritage sites to develop assessment, monitoring and reporting systems and by applying the results to adapt or enhance management
• Demonstrate the potential to use the WCPA Framework to develop a consistent approach to assessment, monitoring and reporting on the state of conservation and management effectiveness of World Heritage sites that could be applied to World Heritage sites on an on-going basis
Site
Governments
Regional coordination (WHC)
World Heritage Convention
Regular reporting
• 6 year project of UNESCO and IUCN started in 2001
• Funded by the United Nations Foundation
• Carried out in co-operation with the University of Queensland, The Nature Conservancy, and other organisations
Background
Developed with managers
• Working with protected area managers to develop assessment tools and processes
• Self-assessment system• Integrate into existing systems• Aimed at site and system level uptake
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda
Canaima, Venezuela
Kaziranga, India Keoladeo, India Royal Chitwan, Nepal
Rio Platano, Honduras Sangay, Ecuador
Serengeti, Tanzania
Brief description of project• Work with sites (managers and stakeholders) to
develop assessment/monitoring based upon the Framework
• Conduct assessments, develop and implement additional monitoring as needed
• Implement small-scale projects in response to assessment and develop project proposals
• Gather lessons learnt and use these to:
– Revise and improve the WCPA Framework
– Prepare advice to World Heritage Centre on application of WCPA Framework for reporting procedures under the Convention
EoH Workbook
• Structured around the WCPA Framework• 11 tools which can assess a range of
indicators • Many tools drawn from best practices
around the world … but often simplified• Tools can be adapted to suit a site’s
individual needs:– supplement existing assessment activities – point of reference to develop new assessment
tools to meet site needs– build a complete assessment system from the
start
Assessment stepsStart assessment
Assemble data Identify gaps in data
Undertake any simple steps to fill data gaps
Use data to compile assessment
Complete assessment and analyse results
Carry out management interventions (adaptive management) in response to
assessment
Identify gaps in assessment that need
more work
Set up steps to fill gaps in monitoring
Sangay National Park, Ecuador
• A spectrum of ecosystems, from rainforests to glaciers
• But management was species orientated
• Broaden their vision of site values
• EoH is helping to develop monitoring (baseline data) and management strategies for this broader vision
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
• Including local people in the assessment of management has led to increased awareness of management issues and conservation objectives
• Many tangible outcomes in terms of improving management at site level, i.e. widening stakeholder involvement, review staff and assessment processes
Key Elements of Assessment
• Relevance and applicability: realistic and leading to achievable management actions
• Adaptability: range of tools• Partnerships: self-assessment
strengthened by stakeholder involvement
• Reporting: reporting from local to international needs
www.enhancingheritage.net
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