ASSESSING AND IMPROVING THE PROTECTED AREA POLICY ENVIRONMENT

What is a protected area policy environment?

A protected area policy environment includes the laws, policies, practices and attitudes that govern the society within which a protected area system is based, as well as the interactions between them. 

What are the elements of a protected area policy environment?

A protected area policy environment includes many aspects of societal laws and policies.  Some indicators of an effective protected area policy environment include the following (ICEM, 2003; Ervin, 2003b):

Policy coordination and communication

• Mechanisms exist for dialogue with local and indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations and civil society
• There is cooperation between neighboring countries in the establishment, planning and management of trans-boundary protected areas
• There is coordination and communication with sectors that have an impact on protected areas
• The budgeting process for the protected area system is clearly based on the needs of the protected area system

Land use planning laws, policies and practices

• Buffer zones around protected areas are clearly designation and appropriately managed
• Urban and suburban growth centers are designated and adhered to
• There are incentives for the establishment of private protected areas and other conserved areas
• Land tenure policies do not conflict with protected area objectives

Economic development and resource use policies

• Economic development and natural resource use policies (e.g., forestry, agriculture, fisheries, water resources, energy, tourism) do not conflict with protected area objectives
• Social and customary uses of protected area resources do not conflict with protected area objectives

Legal and judiciary environment

• Societal laws do not conflict with protected area objectives
• The judicial system for enforcing and applying protected area laws is comprehensive and fair at all levels

National environmental leadership

• There is a national biodiversity vision and/or strategic plan
• There are comprehensive national efforts to promote environmental awareness and education at civil and governmental levels
• There is a demonstrated political will to fulfill commitments to international conventions (e.g., the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Program of Work on Protected Areas)

Protected area policies

•  National protected area policies clearly articulate a vision, goals and objectives for the protected area system.
• There is a demonstrated commitment to protecting a viable and representative protected area network.
• There are restoration and protection targets for under-represented and/or greatly diminished ecosystems.
• The protected area system is periodically reviewed for ecological gaps, management effectiveness and policies.
• There is an effective training and capacity-building program for protected area staff.

What are the steps in assessing a protected area policy environment?

 The policy environment for a protected area system can be very complex, involving many competing laws, policies, actors and interests (Ashley et al., 2006).  Assessing the policy environment will require sensitivity and thoughtfulness in detangling the many pieces.  There are some basic steps involved in this process, including:

• Identify the suite of laws, policies and practices that are likely to influence the overall protected area policy environment;
• Assess the general compatibility of these laws and policies, both within the protected area system and within other relevant sectors, with the goals and objectives of the protected area system;
• Analyze how specific laws and policies either enhance or inhibit 1) the establishment of a comprehensive and representative protected area network; 2) the effective management of the protected area system, including key challenges and threats; and 3) the sustainable finance of the protected area system;
• Develop and prioritize strategies with relevant stakeholders to create and/or modify laws, policies and practices that are most critical for enhancing and/or inhibiting an effective protected area system;
• Monitor the effectiveness of these strategies, and adapt them over time.

References and resources on protected area policy environment