Assessing the outcome of protected area management effectiveness is only possible with a set of clear, measurable and outcome-based objectives. Where such objectives are not available, the general objectives for management that are specified in the IUCN Guidelines For Protected Area Management Categories (IUCN, 1994) can be used. The table below lists potential indicators associated with these management categories and possible indicators and data collection methods at both a system and site level.
Protected area managed mainly for science (Strict Nature Reserve: Category Ia)
Protected area managed mainly for wilderness protection (Wilderness Area: Category Ib)
Protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation (National Park: Category II)
Protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features (Natural Monument: Category III)
Protected area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention (Habitat/Species Management Area: Category IV)
Protected area managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation (Protected Landscape/Seascape: Category V)
Protected area managed mainly for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems (Managed Resource Protected Area: Category VI)
