Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger reserves in India: Process and outcomes

Abstract

The need to evaluate PA management effectiveness has become increasingly well recognised internationally over the past one and a half decades. In both developed and developing countries it has been seen that declaration of PAs does not always result in adequate protection (Hockings and Phillips 1999, Hockings et al. 2000, Ervin 2003). Evaluation is necessary because PAs face many threats. However, evaluation is not simply a way of looking for problems; it is as important to identify when things are going well. Assessment of management effectiveness should include both issues within and/or beyond the control of individual managers. This approach facilitates a range of responses to threats and deficiencies in management, from site-based actions to broad political and policy reviews.