Name: Setting Goals in an Adaptive Management Framework

Reference: Murphy, D.D., and P.S. Weiland. 2014. Science and structured decision making: fulfilling the promise of adaptive management for imperiled species. J. Environ. Studies Sci. 4:200-207.

Conservation planning step(s) when this would be used: This would be used in the Set Goals and Objectives step.

Description of tool use: This approach builds on a concept map of indirect and direct drivers in a threats analysis and identifies management intervention points, or conservation strategies, that can be implemented to reduce both direct and indirect threats. Once these strategies have been identified, a "theory of change" approach asks the planners how they think those activities will influence the target. This is designed for use in the context of the Conservation Measures Partnership framework for planning, which is supported by the Miradi software tool.

Experience and expertise required to use the tool: The principles involved are intuitive and easily grasped. Specialist expertise is not required though some prior experience is of benefit. The definition of specific, quantitative species population or other types of habitat goals will certainly require expert input in order to set realistic indicators.

Data requirements: The tool can be used in data poor situations but will be most appropriate when goals are realistic and tied to conservation actions as well as the best available data.  

Cost: The tool itself can be applied at no cost, though if used in conjunction with the Miradi software a cost may be incurred and some prior training required. Goal setting is best used under guidance of a facilitator or conservation coach who understands the conservation context as well as some guidelines for setting appropriate goals.  

Strengths and weaknesses, when to use and interpret with caution: Goal setting in conservation is a constant challenge. The strength or weakness of this tool will be relative to the availability of data related to the target species, and the understanding of how conservation actions may lead to the specific impact and success metrics identified in those goals.  

Case study: Hundreds of case studies that use the threats analysis process can be found at miradishare.org and at http://www.rare.org/places/#.VG-Xx8n4Ksw
Example: Salmon River Conservation Area, USA https://www.miradishare.org/reports/goalObjective/tnc-thenatureconserva-2014-00009/

Back to Abruzzi Table 1.
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Contributor(s):     Amielle DeWan    
Affiliation:  IFAW
Email:  adewan@ifaw.org                
Date:  7 February 2011