The PNG-METT : A method for assessing effectiveness in Papua New Guinea's protected areas

Abstract

In 2015–2016, the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), through its Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA) and with the support of United Nations Development Program (UNDP), organised an evaluation of its protected areas, as part of the process to improve management effectiveness. PNG’s Policy on Protected Areas commits to regular evaluation of management effectiveness and to taking remedial action to improve effectiveness over time. ‘Management effectiveness of Protected Areas will be regularly evaluated on a national basis, and improvements will be put into place based on assessment results. Where Protected Area effectiveness or wildlife populations and health are shown to be declining or at risk, causes will be investigated and corrective measures rapidly implemented’ (Independent State of Papua New Guinea, 2014, p. 50). This effort is a component of the third pillar supporting the vision for the protected area network in PNG: effective and adaptive biodiversity management