ConserveOnline | Standard 6: Documentation of Lessons-Learned

Standard 6: Documentation of Lessons-Learned

By admin on 8/9/2007 | Keyword(s): Conservation networks

Standards

Rationale

In an effective network, members document and share with each other information about the actions they take, the results of those actions, and the lessons learned from both. The network also documents the lessons learned from collective action and results. Documentation allows members to access information about lessons learned whenever they need it. It also makes it possible to share know-how created through the network more broadly, leveraging the investment in the network by improving the practices of others.

Good Practice

Packaging Lessons Learned.
The know-how created through a network, the lessons learned through local and collective actions and results, may take a variety of forms and may be documented and packaged in a variety of ways. Examples include:

reports of local actions, results, and conclusions about what did and did not work and why;
reports of collective actions, results, and conclusions about what did and did not work and why;
proceedings of network meetings or workshops; and/or
standards and guidance for good practice, based on lessons learned in multiple situations.

Sharing Lessons Learned.
Some networks use independent websites or Conserveonline workspaces to distribute the products of their learning. Examples include:

The Nature Conservancy recently launched the Conservation by Design Gateway, an online portal to distribute conservation know-how. The Gateway is a vehicle for distribution of case studies, tools and methods related to implementing Conservation by Design.

Additional channels of distribution include publication (e.g., journal articles, handbooks, etc.) and presentations at conferences or meetings.

Deploying Network Members.
Although online and in-print distribution of network products may ensure extensive reach, it often is not sufficient to ensure effective adoption and use of network products. This is particularly so when adoption of a new practice requires knowledge that cannot be readily documented, such as how to adapt a practice to a unique situation. To ensure widespread adoption of network products, it may be necessary for network members to coach prospective users.