Online appendix 1:How objective are protected area management effectiveness assessments? A case study from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Protected area management effectiveness assessments, while intended to improve conservation practices, may yield inconsistent results depending on the assessment's operating conditions. A case study of iSimangaliso Wetland Park revealed significant discrepancies between two applications of the same tool, with national and provincial assessments scoring differently due to variations in spatial detail, management hierarchy consultation, time allocation, and peer review depth. The study highlights the need for standardized 'indispensable constants'—such as clear participation guidelines and rigorous peer review—to ensure credible and reliable outcomes. Without such standards, disparate scores could undermine the credibility of these assessments, jeopardizing their utility in conservation efforts.

Carbutt, C., & Goodman, P. S. (2013). Online appendix 1:How objective are protected area management effectiveness assessments? A case study from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Koedoe, 55(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v55i1.1110-1