Long-term socio-environmental monitoring of protected areas is a persistent weak point in developing countries: Literature review and recommendations

• Published in: Biological conservation Vol. 290; p. 110434
• Main Authors: Fromont, Céline, Carrière, Stéphanie M., Bédécarrats, Florent, Razafindrakoto, Mireille, Roubaud, François
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: adaptive management; Biodiversity conservation; conservation areas; developing countries; Development; Environmental Sciences; Global south; guidelines; Management; monitoring; Monitoring and evaluation; Protected areas; Sustainability; Protected areas; Biodiversity conservation; Global south; Sustainability; Development; Management; Monitoring and evaluation
• ISSN: 0006-3207; 1873-2917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110434

Protected areas (PAs) are pivotal for biodiversity conservation, particularly in developing countries. However, success in achieving their objectives is variable. The reasons for the inconsistent effectiveness of PAs are well documented and include inadequate resources and conflicting objectives. Despite the proliferation of tools and guidelines for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of PAs over recent decades, a gap persists between the availability of these resources and their practical application. This review of more than 114 publications on the subject summarizes and critically examines the approaches and tools used for M&E of PAs, in particular in developing countries. It highlights the existing shortcomings and explores the causes behind the ongoing disconnect between theoretical guidance and operational reality. Based on this review, we suggest recommendations to improve the efficacy and sustainability of M&E practices in the PAs of developing countries, with an emphasis on integrating the needs of local communities and adopting a strategy of adaptive management. •Protected areas (PAs) success in developing countries in achieving their objectives is variable.•A gap persists between the availability of tools for monitoring and evaluation of PAs and their practical application.•We review 114 publications, summarizes and critically examines these approaches and tools.•We explore the causes behind the ongoing disconnection between theoretical guidance and operational reality.•We suggest recommendations to improve the efficacy and sustainability of monitoring and evaluation practices.