This excellent journal paper seeks to integrate evidence-based conservation with the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation and is freely available online here from the new SCB journal Conservation…
This page includes “how-to” guidance and training materials designed to help teams implement the Open Standards (e.g., training manuals and presentations). Note that we also provide a list of tools which serve as important resource but which do not provide step-by-step guidance.
<!– For information about the formal vetting process for tools and guidance, see Using Open Standards. –>
Resource Library
PRISM: Toolkit for Evaluating Outcomes and Impacts (2017) (2019)
This toolkit focuses on improving the quality of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of projects when planning to evaluate outcomes and impacts. Whilst its stated focus is on small and medium…
Reddish Egret Conservation Action Plan (2014) (2019)
This is a very good example of a plan developed to provide a framework for conservation of a species with a broad geographic range. The Reddish Egret is found along…
Altai-Sayan Ecoregion Conservation Strategy (2012) (2019)
Ukok Plateau, Republic of Altai (Denis Bogomolov/ WWF-Russia) This is an excellent example of a large, multi country strategic plan in the Central Asian landscape, very effectively using the Open…
Strategic Plan, Axios Delta, Greece (2009) (2018)
This plan set up the framework for a subsequent Management Plan for the then recently proclaimed Axios Delta National Park, the marine outfall of four rivers near Thessaloniki in Greece. Led…
Strategic Plan for Painted Dog Conservation (2011) ()
Penned in 2011, the Painted Dog Conservation Strategic Plan uses the Open Standards to achieve species conservation in almost flawless detail. The document steps through targets, viability, threats and situation…
Measuring the Effectiveness of State Wildlife Grant Projects: Phase I Report (2010) ()
This report is a good example of how a national agency used results chains to develop common theories of change, objectives and indicators in order to assess effectiveness at varying scales…
Healthy Country Planning (~2019) (2018)
Healthy Country Planning is an adaptation of the Open Standards developed for use in participative and cross-cultural situations - typically with Indigenous communities. To better enable this, the language of the…
Climate-Smart Conservation Standards Webinars (2018) (2018)
This series of 4 webinar recordings by Marcia Brown (FOS) and John Morrison (WWF) provides an overview of the Climate-Smart Open Standards. Another good base resource is the National Wildlife…
Conservation Audit Guidelines and Tool (2020) ()
Updated to reflect Version 3.0 released in December 2020. Developed and maintained by the CMP Conservation Audits Working Group, the Conservation Audit Guidelines and Tool facilitate an efficient analysis of…
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The Conservation Standards is the product of inputs, field tests, and discussions among members of the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP), which has final editorial authority over the Conservation Standards. Substantial input was also provided by members of the Conservation Coaches Network (CCNet) and other CMP partners.
Photo Credit: Felix Cybulla
Support CS
The biodiversity conservation community is tackling large, complex, and urgent environmental problems where the stakes are high. However, we don’t have a fully functional system to assess the effectiveness of our actions. Without more rigorous measurement of effectiveness and disciplined recording of our efforts, we cannot know or demonstrate that we are achieving desired results.
Photo Credit: Felix Cybulla
Our Collaborators
Every organization, agency, project, and individual has its own preferred set of terms. There is no right answer – the most important thing is that the members of your project team and the people with whom you work have a clear and common understanding of whatever terms you choose to use.
Photo Credit: Chris Scarffe
Contact Us
To inquire about supporting Conservation Standards (CS) or for general inquiries, please contact us at CMPinfo@ConservationMeasures.org
Photo Credit: Nature Conservancy of Canada
