Criterion C2 Natural and semi-natural habitats within the landscape
Determining objectives and indicators for monitoring: The central
question for a landscape monitoring system is which aspects of landscape performance are most important to monitor over an extended period of time.
Landscape indicators should help test assumptions in the ‘theory of change’ behind the landscape initiative’s collaborative plan. The Landscape Measures
Framework see page 94 suggests one way to develop these indicators. These can be supplemented by short-term monitoring of speciic project
interventions.
Establishing a monitoring system: In designing an appropriate monitoring system, it is essential to identify which measures will verify
whether or not the indicators have been achieved, what is the source of data, who is responsible for collecting this information, and how often data
is collected. The ideal frequency of data collection depends upon the rate of change anticipated for the indicator, or the importance of recognising more
complex patterns. To reduce costs and ensure monitoring is sustainable, existing data sources should be used where possible, e.g. government statistics.
The Landscape Measures Resource Centre provides a wide range of tools, methods and case studies to help deine realistic goals, set targets, design
viable indicators and cost-efective measurement methods
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.
Interpreting the indings for stakeholder learning: To efectively
evaluate progress towards the goals of an integrated landscape management plan, the monitoring results from diferent sources need to be synthesised
and translated into a format that can be interpreted in a meaningful way. It is important for stakeholders to have the opportunity to question data
collectors and analysts, and to interpret their indings. The results and lessons from monitoring need to be communicated efectively to enable
adaptive management. Geographic Information Systems GIS can be useful to display multiple sets of data within the same framework, and to analyse
their interactions. Vital Signs, a landscape monitoring system set up for research in Africa by Conservation International, is developing a consolidated
framework to integrate socioeconomic and geographic datasets
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. Results of qualitative or decentralised data collection from communities can be reported
and synthesized during facilitated group meetings. GIS datasets may not be appropriate communication tools for all stakeholders. Other approaches such
as role play or radio may be more useful in some circumstances.
WHAT TO CONSIDER IN LANDSCAPE MONITORING
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