Accountability, Reporting, or Management Improvement? Development of a State of the Parks Assessment System in New South Wales, Australia

M Hockings; C N Cook; R W (Bill) Carter; R James

doi:10.1007/s00267-009-9277-9

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Accountability, Reporting, or Management Improvement? Development of a State of the Parks Assessment System in New South Wales, Australia

Journal article

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Accountability, Reporting, or Management Improvement? Development of a State of the Parks Assessment System in New South Wales, Australia

M Hockings, C N Cook, R W (Bill) Carter and R James

Environmental Management, Vol.43(6), pp.1013-1025

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-009-9277-9

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Abstract

management effectiveness

management performance

national park

protected area

state of parks

evaluation

assessment

Management effectiveness evaluation has been recognized as an important mechanism for both reporting on and improving protected area management. The Convention on Biological Diversity's program of work on protected areas calls on all countries to implement such systems. In 2004, the first whole of system assessment of park management effectiveness, based on the IUCN-WCPA Management Effectiveness Evaluation Framework, was undertaken in New South Wales, Australia as part of a State of the Parks reporting requirement. This article describes the development of the State of the Parks assessment tool, its elements, and how it addresses the management effectiveness difficulties associated with assessments conducted across an extensive and diverse range of park types. The importance of engaging staff, at all levels, throughout the process is highlighted, as well as the adjustments made to the assessment tool based on staff feedback. While some results are presented, the main purpose of the article is to identify and discuss important procedural and methodological considerations. These include balancing quantitative and qualitative assessment approaches, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the management processes, and responding to any problems associated with assessments.

Details

Title: Accountability, Reporting, or Management Improvement? Development of a State of the Parks Assessment System in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: M Hockings (Author) - University of Queensland
C N Cook (Author) - University of Queensland
R W (Bill) Carter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
R James (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Environmental Management, Vol.43(6), pp.1013-1025
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
Date published: 2009
DOI: 10.1007/s00267-009-9277-9
ISSN: 0364-152X
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449440602621
Output Type: Journal article

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