Developing a standardised assessment system for

natural World Heritage sites

The Enhancing our Heritage

Project

Sue Stolton, Equilibrium Consultants

WCPA Protected Area Assessment FrameworkAn 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)

One framework, many systems

Simple questionnaire approaches relying on

expert judgement

Site level data-driven approaches relying on regular monitoring and

assessment

Enhancing our HeritageMonitoring and Managing for Success in Natural World Heritage Areas

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

Site

Governments

Regional coordination (WHC)

World Heritage Convention

Regular reporting

• 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

Background

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

Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda

Canaima, Venezuela

Kaziranga, India Keoladeo, India Royal Chitwan, Nepal

Rio Platano, Honduras Sangay, Ecuador

Serengeti, Tanzania

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

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

Assessment stepsStart assessment

Assemble data Identify gaps in data

Undertake any simple steps to fill data gaps

Use data to compile assessment

Complete assessment and analyse results

Carry out management interventions (adaptive management) in response to

assessment

Identify gaps in assessment that need

more work

Set up steps to fill gaps in monitoring

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

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

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

www.enhancingheritage.net