To enhance the management and governance of Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs) and support countries in reporting progress against Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, BIOPAMA partnered with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to support the use of the Site Assessment for Governance and Equity (SAGE) assessment tool developed by IIED and the Integrated Management Effectiveness tool (IMET) which was developed by the BIOPAMA team. These tools are designed to assess the effective management and governance of PCAs, ensuring that they are both well-managed and equitable for all actors involved and providing priorities for action to improve.

IMET (Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool) focuses on assessing the management effectiveness of PCAs. This tool is pivotal for evaluating how well these areas are being managed in terms of conservation objectives, resource allocation, and overall operational success. By measuring management effectiveness, IMET provides essential insights into areas requiring improvement, allowing site managers and conservation organisations to prioritise resources (financial and human) to strengthen conservation efforts.

SAGE (Social Assessment for Governance and Equity) on the other hand assesses gaps in governance structures, policies, and community engagement, ensuring that the management of protected areas is inclusive, equitable, and transparent. By focusing on governance and social equity, SAGE helps ensure that conservation efforts include and benefit all stakeholders, including local communities and marginalised groups, thus fostering a sense of ownership and sustainable management.

As part of BIOPAMA’s support to the implementation of the GBF, a series of training sessions were conducted in 2023 and 2024 to empower conservation professionals, site managers, protected area managers, and government entities. These trainings were designed to equip participants with the practical skills necessary to effectively apply IMET and SAGE tools in assessing PCAs. A total of three IMET-focused trainings and two SAGE-focused trainings were held.

The training sessions were tailored to focus on the adoption of these tools for both marine and terrestrial protected areas and equip key stakeholders to be resources in the region to support assessments. This customisation ensured that the tools could be effectively applied across different ecosystems and conservation contexts, providing a versatile approach to management and governance assessments.

An integral part of this initiative has been the establishment of a community of practice among the IMET and SAGE facilitators to further promote the accessibility of these tools to the countries in the ESA region and enable them to report against Target 3. Facilitators have connected through WhatsApp platforms to share their experiences, insights, and challenges encountered during their assessments. This community fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, where facilitators can seek advice, ask questions, and share opportunities for cross-learning. Through this network, facilitators can continue to support one another and the countries in the region in their efforts to enhance PCA management and governance within the region.

BIOPAMA has also directly supported a series of assessments through its short-term granting mechanism designed for PAME and PAGE assessments in 2021. This support enabled the completion of 98 assessments in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) (covering 197 PCAs), strengthening the capacity of local actors to implement these tools effectively and highlighting priority actions that would enhance equitable governance and effective management in the sites. In 2024, facilitators trained through BIOPAMA were supported to gain practical implementation experience with IMET and SAGE in actual assessments of protected areas across ESA. They conducted assessments in 13 PCAs from 7 countries in ESA. This initiative had dual outcomes – it allowed the trainees to gain practical experience while also identifying critical gaps in management effectiveness and governance in the sites where the assessments were conducted.

The assessments, which typically span 3-5 days, include a comprehensive introduction to the respective tool, a detailed assessment against key indicators, and an analysis and discussion of results. The outcome of these assessments provides valuable information to stakeholders, which can be used to prioritise actions and mobilise resources to address gaps and improve management effectiveness. The collaborative nature of the assessments ensures that all relevant actors are involved in identifying solutions and in action planning.

For many facilitators conducting their first assessments, support from more experienced peers was made available to guide them through the process. This mentorship approach not only bolstered the confidence of new facilitators but also ensured that the quality of assessments remained high, with experienced facilitators providing guidance and sharing best practices.

The IMET and SAGE tools, alongside the capacity-building initiatives and community of practice, represent a critical step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve the management and governance of protected areas worldwide. By empowering the facilitators, enhancing collaboration, and building a strong foundation for sustainable conservation, these tools are set to play a key role in safeguarding the world’s most valuable natural resources.

Quotes:

‘’The importance of IMET as a tool for effective PCA management has been reinforced through participation in multiple assessments in Malawi and beyond, highlighting its value in discussions with community members and park management. Building up to the 3 IMETs assessments conducted in Malawi, the country has developed guidelines for PAME assessments, making it an ongoing planning requirement for parks alongside the review of management plans, rather than a project-based activity’’

Dr. Tiwonge Gawa, Lecturer at Malawi University for Science and Technology and IMET Facilitator

‘’Effective assessment outcomes depend on involving relevant stakeholders and skilled facilitators who can extract information through an active, participatory and consultative process”

Simba Mandota, IUCN Zimbabwe Country Representative

‘’The IMET tool is very comprehensive in evaluating planned management activities. This tool has helped UWA to assess expiring management plans and identify areas to focus on in subsequent plans’’

Richard Kapere, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and IMET facilitator

Links to SAGE Videos recorded by Grantees:

KWCA Video on how SAGE has helped improve the Governance of Lumo Conservancy

HoneyGuide Video on how SAGE has helped strengthen the governance of Burunge WMA