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
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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)
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One framework, many systems
Simple questionnaire approaches relying on expert
judgement
Site level data-driven approaches relying on
regular monitoring and assessment
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Enhancing our Heritage Monitoring and Managing
for Success in Natural World Heritage Areas
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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

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(No Transcript)
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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

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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

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

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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 sites 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

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Assessment steps
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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

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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

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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

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