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Planning & measuring our impact

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All our conservation work is planned using an internationally recognised method – the Open Standard for the Practice of Conservation.

The Open Standard provides a process for understanding projects within their ecological, social, political and cultural context.

Through this method we identify the species, ecosystems and cultural elements we're working to protect, the likely threats and how to manage them. 

A key element of the process is deciding the result we expect from each activity, the way to get there and what we need to measure to know if we're on the right path.

We track progress and re-examine our strategies if we're not getting the results we expect. The process also identifies gaps in our knowledge and the research needed to fill them.

Conservation Management Planning Process

Conservation management process

The following steps cycle in a continuous feedback loop.

1. Conceptualise

Define what ‘Healthy Country’ looks like for a landscape. Identify the species and habitats that need to be managed and protected, and identify threats to the health of those species and habitats.

2. Plan

Define the impact we want to have on target species and habitats. Identify the strategies and knowledge required to achieve this. Confirm how we'll monitor progress. Identify the long-term resources needed.

3. Implement

Prepare work plans and budgets, and implement on-ground activities in line with the plan. Record data and report progress as activities are undertaken.

4. Analyse & adapt

Assess the progress being made towards the desired impact, and whether or not we're on track. Adapt the plan if necessary to make our work more effective.

5. Communicate & share

Document and share results with others (internally and externally). Communicate the impact that's been achieved, the actions taken, and the lessons learned.

More science

Ecological monitoring
Research partnerships
Research themes
‘Right-way’ science
Research publications