Assessment of current management plan (EoH Tool 5)

1. Assessment of current management plan (EoH Tool 5)

3. Planning assessment • Tool 5: Assessment of Management Planning • Background: Developed from best practice in protected area planning • Concept: Reviews status of planning documents and assesses the primary decision making document • Methodology and datasheet: decision-making framework; adequacy of information; needs and interests of any local and indigenous communities and other stakeholders

4. What makes a good management plan? • Provide clear direction for the site • Link management objectives to site values (OUV) • Direct activities and work plans focused on achieving these objectives • Involve stakeholders • Be linked to budgets and available resources • Have measurable and achievable targets

5. Two worksheets • Worksheet 5a collects information on the extent and status of planning undertaken for the site, listing all the relevant plans and recording details about them. • Worksheet 5b assesses the nature and adequacy of the primary planning systems and processes that have been employed.

6. Principles of an effective plan • Provide a sound decision-making framework • a clear vision of the desired future based on the major site values • a set of strategies and actions for achieving this future • clear guidance to assist managers in dealing with opportunities and eventualities that arise during the life of the plan • basis for monitoring implementation of the plan • adaptable • Management within the relevant environmental, social and economic planning context • Plan content based on an adequate and current information base • The plan should provide a programmed and prioritised set of actions for its implementation

7. Principles of an effective plan • Provide a sound decision-making framework • a clear vision of the desired future based on the major site values • a set of strategies and actions for achieving this future • clear guidance to assist managers in dealing with opportunities and eventualities that arise during the life of the plan • basis for monitoring implementation of the plan • adaptable • Management within the relevant environmental, social and economic planning context • Plan content based on an adequate and current information base • The plan should provide a programmed and prioritised set of actions for its implementation

8. Assessment worksheet • Worksheet 5b consists of 14 multiple choice question • Four possible responses for each question are given (column 2), which equate to a four-point rating system (Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor). These questions and responses may need to be amended to match the standards and expectations of site planning systems, particularly where a plan other than the management plan is being assessed. • Also records: Comments/Explanation; Opportunities, recommendations and follow-up actions

10. Worksheet 5b for developing/ revising a management plan • Helps focus on best practice • Can highlight areas where planning has succeeded and practices should be replicated and where changes need to be made in the future