Title
Generating actionable data for evidence-based conservation: The global center of marine biodiversity as a case study
Author(s)
Fox, Helen E.;Barnes, Megan D.;Ahmadia, Gabby N.;Kao, Grace;Glew, Louise;Haisfield, Kelly;Hidayat, Nur Ismu;Huffard, Christine L.;Katz, Laure;Mangubhai, Sangeeta;Purwanto
Published
2017
Publisher
Biological Conservation
Abstract
Sufficiently rigorous monitoring and evaluation can assess the effectiveness of management actions to conserve natural resources. However, costs of monitoring can be high in relation to program budgets, so it is critical to design monitoring efforts to ensure a high return on investment. To assess the relative contribution of different monitoring strategies to yield information for management decisions, we examine the evolution of a multi-year monitoring program across several MPAs in West Papua, Indonesia. Three monitoring strategies were implemented: external expert, science practitioner, and community monitoring staff. We place the monitoring objectives in a decision science framework, with six explicit fundamental objectives for monitoring to evaluate performance of marine protected areas. We examine each strategy in light of the six objectives to evaluate: 1) power to detect change, 2) extent of local capacity development, and 3) cost effectiveness. Over time, costs were reduced and scientific value increased through clear communication of science objectives, outcome-driven experimental design, adequately resourced monitoring programs, and a long-term view that anticipates phasing out outside consultants and transitioning monitoring responsibilities fully to locally-based staff. Investments to develop capacity of staff living locally to perform data management, analysis, interpretation, and science communication proved the most cost-effective approach in the long-term. With many globally important ecosystems in developing countries, developing local scientific capacity for the full cycle of monitoring is key to informed decision-making and ensuring long-term sustainability of efforts to conserve biodiversity.
Keywords
Marine protected areas;Capacity building;Monitoring and evaluation;Indonesia
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PUB22326