1 / 16

Developing a standardised assessment system for natural World Heritage sites

Developing a standardised assessment system for natural World Heritage sites The Enhancing our Heritage Project Sue Stolton, Equilibrium Consultants. WCPA Protected Area Assessment Framework An overall structure and some principles.

elaine-sutton
Download Presentation

Developing a standardised assessment system for natural World Heritage sites

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Developing a standardised assessment system for natural World Heritage sites • The Enhancing our Heritage Project • Sue Stolton, Equilibrium Consultants

  2. WCPA Protected Area Assessment Framework An 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)

  3. One framework, many systems Simple questionnaire approaches relying on expert judgement Site level data-driven approaches relying on regular monitoring and assessment

  4. Enhancing our Heritage Monitoring and Managing for Success in Natural World Heritage Areas

  5. 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

  6. World Heritage Convention Regional coordination (WHC) Governments Regular reporting Site

  7. Background • 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

  8. 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

  9. Serengeti, Tanzania Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda Kaziranga, India Keoladeo, India Royal Chitwan, Nepal Sangay, Ecuador Rio Platano, Honduras Canaima, Venezuela

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Start assessment Assemble data Identify gaps in data Undertake any simple steps to fill data gaps Use data to compile assessment Identify gaps in assessment that need more work Complete assessment and analyse results Carry out management interventions (adaptive management) in response to assessment Set up steps to fill gaps in monitoring Assessment steps

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. www.enhancingheritage.net

More Related