2014 CMP Retreat

A. Managing the Business of Conservation

Annette Stewart (Bush Heritage Australia)

Abstract: This Speed Presentation will outline how Bush Heritage Australia has achieved a step-change in efficiency and effectiveness, by using Miradi and Miradi Share to manage implementation of projects planned and adapted using the Open Standards. The Open Standards does a lot to make conservation practitioners more effective – guiding them in choosing the right targets, involving stakeholders, planning projects, and monitoring outcomes. We have built upon this and focussed on efficiency, particularly for the work of managers of practitioners, and for the broader business processes that support conservation activities. We’ll give examples of the processes and reports we use to help people who manage a portfolio of projects, including those involved in Fundraising, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management, all drawn from project data in Miradi. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’ve made some big improvements and many of our partners are keen to build on them. Click here for presentation.

B. When To Evaluate? The Power, Potential and Pitfalls of Impact Evaluation in Conservation

Louise Glew (WWF-US), Madeleine Bottrill (CI)

Abstract: The conservation sector is on the verge of an evidence-revolution, with scholars and practitioners championing the need to build a robust evidence base to inform strategic decision making. Impact evaluation (IE), which measures the impacts caused by an intervention by creating real-world experiments, has emerged as a powerful tool for documenting the attributable ecological and social impacts of conservation interventions. IE insights can inform conservation policy and practice as well as, providing greater accountability to donors and stakeholders. IE is not appropriate everywhere. Decision makers need to know when IE should be used, how to interpret its findings, and when it should be avoided. Drawing from lessons learned to date in conservation and from other sectors, we highlight some key guidance for making these choices. Join us to discuss the development of IE guidance, tailored to the needs of conservation practitioners and decision-makers that would enable us to strategically evaluate our impact. Click here for presentation.

C. Cats and Dogs and Elephants Oh My! Applying the Open Standards to an Animal Welfare-Based Conservation Organization

Nathan Herschler (IFAW), Amielle DeWan (IFAW)

Abstract: How do you use the Open Standards to measure the impact of conservation projects on animal welfare outcomes? The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is an animal welfare-based conservation organization that works to protect a wide variety of endangered species as well as companion animals across the globe. In 2014, IFAW began the process of adopting the OS across all programs, from traditional elephant habitat protection to marine mammal stranding response and disaster relief for companion animals. Formalizing the OS approach across programs has surfaced a number of new and nuanced applications of each step from conceptualizing to monitoring and sharing results. Participants will learn how to incorporate animal welfare into a traditional OS process as well as identify new ways to think about how to measure impact on our conservation targets. Click here for presentation.

D. Amazon Measures

Paulina Arroyo (GBMF), Elizabeth O’Neill (GBMF)

Abstract: In 2013/2014, the Moore Foundation’s Andes-Amazon Initiative crafted a system for monitoring the progress and impact of the support it provides. Our aim was to devise a set of common measures across a large geography, a suite of broad place-based and thematic strategies, multiple countries, large grant portfolio, and array of partners. We think we’ve landed on an approach that could be adapted to many large, complex conservation programs. Join us to learn more about how we’re approaching measuring at scale, to share your experiences and innovations, doing same, and to provide feedback on our approach. Click here for presentation.

E. The Business of Conservation: Creating Impactful Conservation Programs

Anne Savage (Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment)

Abstract: The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing legacy to promote conservation. As our conservation efforts grow, we look to integrate more of our conservation work into strategic business priorities that result in measurable conservation outcomes for some of the world’s most endangered animals. We have embarked on a new initiative that works to reverse the decline of 10 species in the wild by partnering with key conservation organization to develop a conservation strategy that maximizes conservation outcomes and integrates the some of the expertise and resources found in The Walt Disney Company to save species. We are in the first year of working with key partners to develop conservation plans and we are very interested in examining how the various learning networks use the Open Standards and the resources presented to them to shape their conservation plans. Given the level of diversity in the organizations, composition of the teams, and familiarity and ease of using the Open Standards, we hope to analyze the process that each team uses to develop and implement their conservation strategy. Presentation coming.

F. Got Culture? Proposal for Addressing Cultural Identity in the Open Standards

Caroline Stem (FOS), Stuart Cowell (BH), Annette Stewart (BH), Nick Salafsky (FOS)

Abstract: CMP’s guidance on human wellbeing has helped many teams conceptualize and depict conservation-human wellbeing linkages. However, the guidance does not explicitly address “cultural targets.” This presentation shares an initial proposal from a CMP working group for how to better represent cultural aspects in OS steps. We hope to get user feedback to refine these ideas and provide insight on issues with which we have struggled. Click here for presentation.

G. Mainstreaming the METT

Bailey Evans (CI), Madeleine Bottrill (CI)

Abstract: Protected areas require effective management to conserve biodiversity and other natural values within their boundaries. In 2014, CI committed to measuring management effectiveness in all marine and terrestrial protected areas that they support and manage globally. Our field programs adopted the IUCN/WWF Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), the global standard for ME measurement. With input from with other NGOs and government agencies, our program have assessed and established baseline scores for 180+ sites. The process has generated benefits, such as new data and regional analyses, and promoted dialogue with partners, yet also has had its challenges. In this bright spot, we will discuss the incentives and hurdles involved in mainstreaming such measures into institutional strategy and operations. We will also highlight a potential opportunity to connect CMP members to a global effort to consolidate and share ME guidance and datasets. Click here for presentation.

H. Value for Money in Conservation Programmes

Will Beale (WWF-UK)

Abstract: How do we respond to challenging questions about the impact and value for money of conservation programmes? Do we tend to put them in the ‘too difficult’ box or try to take them on? This presentation will share how WWF has used the energy and focus provided by these sorts of challenges to develop a coherent story on VfM and be perceived as making progress. Click here for presentation.

I. CCNet

Brad Northrup (CCNet), John Morrison (CCNet)

Abstract: The Conservation Coaches Network (CCNet) is now 5 years old and has grown to include over 400 active coaches, 13 Franchises, and 100 affiliated coach organizations around the world. This presentation provides an overview of what CCNet is and does – covering coach trainings, coach rallies, CCNet franchises and more. We will highlight CCNet’s current challenges and opportunities including our evolving formal relationship with CMP and use the discussion period to gain feedback and insights into these issues. More about CCNet here. Click here for presentation.

J. Step 4 in the Open Standards: Options for Analyzing Results

Christina Kakoyannis (NFWF), Annamarie Lopata (NFWF)

Abstract: Although many organizations are engaging in more thoughtful conservation planning, fewer organizations are able to close the Open Standards loop by evaluating conservation programs and projects. A survey of 29 implementing and funding organizations conducted for the 2010 CMP Measures Summit showed that only 5% of projects go through the full OS cycle. Although ~2,500 projects had good conservation plans, a much smaller subset (~350-500) had completed the cycle. In this Bright Spot presentation, we will speak about our experiences at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation moving through the entire cycle for our long-term conservation programs. In particular, we will focus three different options for walking through Step 4—Analyze, Use, and Adapt, depending on the decision-making needs and resource constraints. Click here for presentation.

K. Using Miradi Share for Program Level Adaptive Management

Nick Salafsky (FOS), Dan Salzer (TNC)

Abstract; Miradi Share is a new cloud-based software system that enables conservation practitioners, managers, and funders to design, manage, monitor, and learn from collections of related projects that make up a program. We will give a brief demonstration of Miradi Share’s current features and provide an overview of our development roadmap. If you use the Open Standards and Miradi, see how Miradi Share can take your work to higher level. Check out Miradishare.org

A. USAID’s Growing Use of the Open Standards

Cynthia Gill (USAID Office of Forestry and Biodiversity)

Abstract: USAID has drawn heavily on the Open Standards and is applying key principles of them in program design and implementation. USAID is intensively applying the approach to a number of significant biodiversity portfolios in the field. At the same time, the Agency is looking at how to apply the approach more broadly to other development sectors and how to scale up in conservation. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Cynthia Gill is the Director of USAID’s Office of Forestry and Biodiversity, overseeing the Agency’s over $210 million/year biodiversity conservation portfolio. She has worked at USAID for over 20 years, and was involved with the early development of the Open Standards. She has struggled with indicators and monitoring for nearly the full 20 years of time at USAID.

B. Using the Open Standards In US Fish & Wildlife Service Grants Programs

Matt Muir (FWS)

Abstract: Select programs within the US Fish & Wildlife Service use the Open Standards and other CMP tools to support species conservation. This presentation will showcase two examples of USFWS grants programs (WSFR State Wildlife Grants, and the International Affairs Central Africa Program) that have used the OS to build collaboration and a common language among partners and improve how all parties involved track conservation impact of USFWS investments. Presentation coming.

Bio: Dr. Matt Muir is a biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of International Conservation’s Africa Programs. When he is not chasing dragonflies with his camera, Matt tries to prevent species extinction due to wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting.

C. Using the Open Standards at Multiple Scales to Improve Puget Sound’s Recovery

Kari Stiles (Puget Sound Partnership)

Abstract: The Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) is the Washington State agency leading the effort to recover Puget Sound and achieve a “swimmable, fishable, drinkable, diggable” Sound by 2020. Formed in 2007, PSP is charged with coordinating and focusing the work of hundreds of partners – including federal, state, tribal and local governments and NGOs – to address ecosystem and pressure reduction priorities related to six goals: healthy habitats and species, water quality and quantity, and human health and wellbeing. Since 2009, PSP has been using the Open Standards to support development of common ecosystem priorities, pressure-reduction priorities, monitoring priorities and strategic action plans at multiple scales including the Puget Sound basin, salmon watersheds and local action areas. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Kari Stiles is a scientist with the Puget Sound Partnership, a state agency leading the recovery of Puget Sound. At the Partnership, Kari works on improving the incorporation of scientific information and scientifically rigorous processes in decision-making related to natural resource management and ecosystem recovery.

D. The Open Standards in Mongolia, Argentina and Colorado

Chris Pague (The Nature Conservancy)

Abstract: The Open Standards are being used throughout the world in many ways. Experiences in Mongolia, Argentina, and western Colorado provide lessons of the utility and some challenges. Primarily the tool has engaged the private and public sector in creating enhanced visions for success – but visions which are living and embraced because of the process. In the case of Mongolia, the country has decided that Open Standards is how they believe that protected areas planning can be successful. Mongolia has legislatively decided that implementation will happen at an unprecedented scale. In Argentina Open Standards are being used as the basis for planning at a regional scale. The objective of the regional planning is inform a transformational sustainable grazing program. This effort demonstrates how the tools within Open Standards are being used to advance planning. Finally, resource agencies in the western U. S., are challenged with capacity and multiple directions for resource planning. The CMP has been engaged with the Bureau of Land Management in trainings for use of the Open Standards in such planning. The outcomes are promising and creating some direction for widespread use. The use and development of Open Standards is proof how feedback from the field along with a cohesive partnership can advance natural resource planning in a way that also adapts to needs of various entities that use it and will see that the outcomes are successful. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Chris Pague is the Senior Conservation Ecologist in the Colorado Program of The Nature Conservancy. For 37 years he has been engaged in conservation work from research and inventory to planning and protection. He can be seen working primarily in Colorado but also in the grasslands and other aridlands of the world.

E. Summative Key Note

Shelley Metzenbaum (Volcker Alliance)

Bio: Shelley H. Metzenbaum is founding president of the Volcker Alliance, launched in May 2013 to rekindle intellectual, practical, and academic interest in the implementation of policy and to rebuild public trust in government. Previously she served as Associate Director for Performance and Personnel Management at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Her previous work includes serving as Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and State/Local Relations at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs in Massachusetts, and Director of Capital Budgeting in Massachusetts. Metzenbaum is an internationally recognized leader in public sector performance and evidence-based management. She ran the Environmental Compliance Consortium, housed at the University of Maryland, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Session on Public Sector Performance Management. Dr. Metzenbaum holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the Kennedy School.

Photo Credit: CONAF

A. USAID’s Growing Use of the Open Standards

Cynthia Gill (USAID Office of Forestry and Biodiversity)

Abstract: USAID has drawn heavily on the Open Standards and is applying key principles of them in program design and implementation. USAID is intensively applying the approach to a number of significant biodiversity portfolios in the field. At the same time, the Agency is looking at how to apply the approach more broadly to other development sectors and how to scale up in conservation. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Cynthia Gill is the Director of USAID’s Office of Forestry and Biodiversity, overseeing the Agency’s over $210 million/year biodiversity conservation portfolio. She has worked at USAID for over 20 years, and was involved with the early development of the Open Standards. She has struggled with indicators and monitoring for nearly the full 20 years of time at USAID.

B. Using the Open Standards In US Fish & Wildlife Service Grants Programs

Matt Muir (FWS)

Abstract: Select programs within the US Fish & Wildlife Service use the Open Standards and other CMP tools to support species conservation. This presentation will showcase two examples of USFWS grants programs (WSFR State Wildlife Grants, and the International Affairs Central Africa Program) that have used the OS to build collaboration and a common language among partners and improve how all parties involved track conservation impact of USFWS investments. Presentation coming.

Bio: Dr. Matt Muir is a biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of International Conservation’s Africa Programs. When he is not chasing dragonflies with his camera, Matt tries to prevent species extinction due to wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting.

C. Using the Open Standards at Multiple Scales to Improve Puget Sound’s Recovery

Kari Stiles (Puget Sound Partnership)

Abstract: The Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) is the Washington State agency leading the effort to recover Puget Sound and achieve a “swimmable, fishable, drinkable, diggable” Sound by 2020. Formed in 2007, PSP is charged with coordinating and focusing the work of hundreds of partners – including federal, state, tribal and local governments and NGOs – to address ecosystem and pressure reduction priorities related to six goals: healthy habitats and species, water quality and quantity, and human health and wellbeing. Since 2009, PSP has been using the Open Standards to support development of common ecosystem priorities, pressure-reduction priorities, monitoring priorities and strategic action plans at multiple scales including the Puget Sound basin, salmon watersheds and local action areas. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Kari Stiles is a scientist with the Puget Sound Partnership, a state agency leading the recovery of Puget Sound. At the Partnership, Kari works on improving the incorporation of scientific information and scientifically rigorous processes in decision-making related to natural resource management and ecosystem recovery.

D. The Open Standards in Mongolia, Argentina and Colorado

Chris Pague (The Nature Conservancy)

Abstract: The Open Standards are being used throughout the world in many ways. Experiences in Mongolia, Argentina, and western Colorado provide lessons of the utility and some challenges. Primarily the tool has engaged the private and public sector in creating enhanced visions for success – but visions which are living and embraced because of the process. In the case of Mongolia, the country has decided that Open Standards is how they believe that protected areas planning can be successful. Mongolia has legislatively decided that implementation will happen at an unprecedented scale. In Argentina Open Standards are being used as the basis for planning at a regional scale. The objective of the regional planning is inform a transformational sustainable grazing program. This effort demonstrates how the tools within Open Standards are being used to advance planning. Finally, resource agencies in the western U. S., are challenged with capacity and multiple directions for resource planning. The CMP has been engaged with the Bureau of Land Management in trainings for use of the Open Standards in such planning. The outcomes are promising and creating some direction for widespread use. The use and development of Open Standards is proof how feedback from the field along with a cohesive partnership can advance natural resource planning in a way that also adapts to needs of various entities that use it and will see that the outcomes are successful. Click here for presentation.

Bio: Chris Pague is the Senior Conservation Ecologist in the Colorado Program of The Nature Conservancy. For 37 years he has been engaged in conservation work from research and inventory to planning and protection. He can be seen working primarily in Colorado but also in the grasslands and other aridlands of the world.

E. Summative Key Note

Shelley Metzenbaum (Volcker Alliance)

Bio: Shelley H. Metzenbaum is founding president of the Volcker Alliance, launched in May 2013 to rekindle intellectual, practical, and academic interest in the implementation of policy and to rebuild public trust in government. Previously she served as Associate Director for Performance and Personnel Management at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Her previous work includes serving as Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and State/Local Relations at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs in Massachusetts, and Director of Capital Budgeting in Massachusetts. Metzenbaum is an internationally recognized leader in public sector performance and evidence-based management. She ran the Environmental Compliance Consortium, housed at the University of Maryland, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Session on Public Sector Performance Management. Dr. Metzenbaum holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the Kennedy School.

A. Introducing the Mira App: Quick, Take a Picture!

Laura Geiger, Lydia Gaskell (WWF)

Abstract: Every conservationist has experienced this: the sudden discovery of something in the middle of nowhere. That discovery, that knowledge is part of a bigger picture that could make or break a conservation plan. The Mira App, which follows the mapping scheme of the Open Standards and the Miradi software, wants to help field workers – from advanced techies to newbies – efficiently record and monitor the threats, risks, and successes in an ecosystem for a more evidenced-based conservation planning. Because the App can be accessed on the smartphone even while offline, it makes systematic data collection possible even in the most distant and hostile places. Data stored in the App can be generated into reports and shared to other field workers, smoothing communication lines between people who are often thousands of miles apart.

B. How Can We Best Adapt OS Tools to Support Climate Adaptation?

Marcia Brown (FOS), Judy Boshoven (FOS), John Morrison (WWF)

Abstract: This session is intended to revive the CMP Climate Change Working Group. CMP members worked to incorporate climate change into Version 3.0 of the CMP Open Standards. Since the release of Version 3.0, several CMP member organizations have been testing different ways to adjust some of the tools in the Open Standards toolbox to help conservation teams develop strategies that incorporate climate adaptation. The purpose of this session is to give members a chance to share their experiences and discuss the pros and cons of different approaches to incorporating vulnerability of targets to climate changes into a situation analysis and threat rating, selecting strategies that help targets adapt to climate change, and incorporating climate-related results into results chains. The group will also discuss the possibility of working together to produce CMP-sponsored guidance to help conservation practitioners use the Open Standards to address climate change.

C. Improving Step 3 of the Open Standards: Implementation

Annette Stewart (BH)

Abstract: Lots of conservation projects get planned, and planned well thanks to the Open Standards. But anecdotally it seems that not all get implemented well, with many failing to proceed through all stages of the Open Standards cycle and prove that the project has had a measurable impact. Why is it that good project plans fail to be implemented, or implemented well? This session aims to focus in on Step 3 – the “Implementing” bit – to identify the key barriers to good implementation, and work on options for overcoming them. At the session we’d like to hear about projects that you’ve been involved in, or that you know of, that have not proceeded to implementation or that have failed during implementation. From this discussion we’ll try to distill some common themes, and then think about what additional types of tools, guidance or training would help more project teams move confidently through the implementation step and on around the Open Standards cycle. This should lead to a list of potential next steps that could be undertaken to build the supporting materials.

D. Funder Use and Promotion of the Open Standards

Alan Holt (MAC)

Abstract: One of CMP’s explicit strategies in the 2012 Strategic Plan was to engage with both private foundations and public sector funders to get them to a) use the Open Standards in developing their own program plans, and b) promote use of Open Standards by their applicants and grantees, ranging from gentle suggestions to specific mandates. Our assumption was that these uses of the Open Standards would lead to both more targeted and effective funding programs, as well as more efficient transactions between funders and their potential and current grantees. With several OS-inclined funders in attendance, this meeting presents a great chance to critically examine our collective experiences with this strategy to date. At this session, we will ask several funders to report on their experiences with the Open Standards as well as ask representatives of grantee organizations to share their perspective on this situation. We will then examine the theory of change behind this strategy and discuss if adaptations and modifications might be needed.

E. How to Ensure the Sustainability of Programme Exits and Transformations

Lydia Gaskell (WWF), Will Beale (WWF-UK), Christina Kakoyannis (NFWF),

Abstract: NFWF and WWF-UK have spent 18 months learning how exit responsibly out of programmes, countries of work, and funding of projects. We have drafted some guidance and tools and started to apply them. This session will take the case studies and recommendations and work through some of the practicalities of taking Exits and Sustainability to the next stage within the OS – ‘building exits into programme design. Click here for presentation.

F. Not Just What and How, But Also Where – Adding Spatial Analyses to the Open Standards

Nick Salafsky (FOS), Dan Salzer (TNC), Annette Stewart (BH), John Morrison (WWF)

Abstract: Imagine being able to put an Open Standards conservation project on a spatial map. You might have one polygon to represent the project boundary. Additional polygons to represent targets, threats, strategies, actions, and monitoring locations. Clicking on the polygon on the map would open up the same dialogue box that you might see clicking on a factor in Miradi. And with this basic information, you could then run spatial analyses, aggregating information and intersecting project elements with other map layers. The new CMP Spatial Open Standards Initiative is working to make this vision a reality. Come help us do it. Please review the Spatial Initiative Working Doc.

G. Developing CMP Evaluation Guidelines

Richard Margoluis (FOS), Amielle DeWan (IFAW), Sheila O’Connor (WWF)

Abstract: Over the years since the inception of the CMP Open Standards, there has been a lot of confusion in the conservation community on two things: 1) How to apply standard evaluation principles (from the professional field of Evaluation) to conservation actions; and 2) How the Open Standards relate to evaluation design and implementation. More recently, various individual CMP member orgs have produced some relevant publications on these subjects. The purpose of this CMP Initiative is to pull together all CMP members to come to consensus on good evaluation practice in conservation, incorporating, where appropriate, the Open Standards.

H. From Soup to Nuts: Building the Recipe for Institutional Adoption of the Open Standards

Amielle DeWan (IFAW), Nathan Herschler (IFAW), Jeff Hardesty (TNC)

Abstract: Getting our organizations to adopt and use the Open Standards at the project level is challenging enough, but operationalizing results based management at all organization levels presents a whole host of new issues and challenges. What kinds of strategic decisions do senior leaders need to make—or should be making if they aren’t? How are decisions actually made and who makes them? What information do they use—or need? How are decision-making and adaptive management operationalized and connected top to bottom? What supporting systems need to be in place? IFAW, TNC and others will share a few challenges and lessons learned but the primary focus will be to identify a few common challenges and see if there’s interest in working on them together. Please join us for what promises to be a lively and stimulating session!

I. Conservation Name-Calling 2.0: Proposed Revisions and Extensions to the CMP Threat and Action Standard Classifications

Matt Muir (FWS), Adam Barlow (WildTeam), Nick Salafsky (FOS), Shawn Peabody (EI)

Abstract: Published in 2008 in Conservation Biology, the IUCN-CMP Threat and Action Classifications have been used to classify tens of thousands of species, projects, and sites. A common language has never been more important to share between conservation organizations and natural resource agencies, and this presentation will unveil the proposed Version 2.0 of the first two levels of the classifications. It will also cover two brand new classifications in their “beta” version: (1) stresses, and (2) Level 3 & 4 classes of actions. Participants will gain the latest thinking on how to classify how threats act on conservation targets, and more specific labels for the existing types of threats and actions, and will be asked to identify any outstanding issues before publishing these new tools.

J. Human Wellbeing Guidance: What Have We Learned?

Caroline Stem (FOS), Ilke Tilders (FOS), Daniel Hayden (Rare), David Wilkie (WCS)

Abstract: Two years have passed since CMP produced guidance on addressing human wellbeing in the context of the Open Standards. This initial guidance was grounded in solid theoretical constructs but had limited practical experience upon which to draw. Practicing the principles of adaptive management, we want to know: how have teams used the guidance, has it been useful, under what conditions has it been useful, and how could we improve future iterations of the guidance. The session will include presentations sharing experiences, successes, and challenges – as a lead into a deeper conversation on improving the guidance. Click here for presentation.

K. Promoting the Open Standards

John Morrison (WWF), Amielle DeWan (CMP)

Abstract: The Open Standards are the flagship product of the Conservation Measures Partnership and the basis for much of the CCNet’s work. CMP has done a good job developing and maintaining the Open Standards. And with our new website, we now have a great web platform to promote the Open Standards and associated tools. But if we are to realize our collective vision, what else can we be doing to promote these tools both within our organizations and beyond? Come to this session to help us answer this question.

L. Miradi Software Feedback & Roadmap Session

Dan Salzer (TNC)

Abstract: Miradi adaptive management software is one of CMP’s flagship products. We are currently planning a number of new features and changes for Miradi 5.0 which is scheduled to be released in 2015. Come and see what we have in mind and provide feedback to the Miradi team about what you think the software does well and what could be improved. Summary notes from this session available here.

M. Selecting and Using Program and Other Organizational Level Data in Decision Making

Kevin Pierson (Audubon), Will Beale/Sheila O’Connor (WWF), Dan Salzer (TNC)

Abstract: Does your organization struggle with common rolled-up enterprise level data management? Have you decided what you need to know programmatically at an organization level? What other types of operational data are being used at an organizational level? Is there an opportunity to share lessons on common indicators, data management and uses? And links to external indicators sets such as CBD Aichi targets? WWF and Audubon will introduce ideas as well as issues, and look to group discussion and group marketing of their own ways of tackling enterprise level data management, join us! Click here for Audubon’s presentation. Click here for WWF’s presentation.

N. The CampaignTracker: Rare’s New Centralized Reporting Tool for Tracking the Progress and Quality of its Campaigns Around the World

Liz Tully (Rare), Daniel Hayden (Rare)

Abstract: This presentation is for professionals who are building brand new M&E or reporting systems or improving pre-existing M&E or reporting systems for measuring and tracking programmatic quality and results. The CampaignTracker is a tool built to house Rare’s reporting tools and processes that provide a consistent global language with which to measure and assess the progress and quality of Rare’s work around the world. Rare built this tool to capture the data we need from the field about the progress of our projects in a way that does not become a reporting burden or a barrier for our implementation staff to get done their ACTUAL work done on the ground. Not only does this tool allow us to centralize and standardize how we measure and track project quality and progress but it significantly reduces the work required to do so. Click here for presentation.

O. Measuring Our Impacts

David Wilkie (WCS)

Abstract: The Open Standards and Miradi have done much to improve project planning and promoting adaptive management. But what advice can we offer on how best to gather data on the status of our conservation and human wellbeing targets, the level of threats to conservation targets, and the strengths or weaknesses of the governance systems we put in place to abate threats and promote sustainable use? This break out session will offer a forum for CMP members to share how they are monitoring what they manage in an effort to begin to identify best practices. Background Materials: Overview of 5 measures; A pitch for an alternative model for conservation impact evaluation. Click here for presentation.

P. Measuring the Same Things: The Case for a Simple Standard Indicators System

Madeleine Bottrill, Rachel Neugarten (CI), David Wilkie (WCS), Louise Glew (WWF-US)

Abstract: Hundreds of indicators have been proposed to measure the performance of conservation and development projects. Each new initiative typically develops its own indicators, leading to duplication of effort and lack of consistency. Yet, many organizations and projects are often measuring similar trends with shared intentions of tracking international policy goals, such as the CBD Aichi targets. A multidisciplinary, accessible “library” of indicators, aligned to conceptual models linking actions to outcomes, is needed to promote efficiency and share knowledge. We propose a session that aims to: present examples of standard indicators already being used by CMP members; review similar efforts (e.g. Biodiversity Indicators Partnership); and discuss what an indicators library would look like, how it would be used, and what resources are needed. The Conservation Measures Partnership is uniquely positioned to support a global indicators library, given its role as a convener of multiple conservation organizations, donors, and government agencies.

Q. Using Standard Results Chains to Measure Effectiveness: Conservation Actions and Measures Library (CAML)

Nick Salafsky (FOS), Dan Salzer (TNC)

Abstract: CAML is an open source library housing standard theories of change for conservation actions. CAML contains Miradi files and generic results chains for over 20 conservation actions organized by the IUCN-CMP Standard Classification of Conservation Actions. CAML can help practitioners find theories of change that serve as templates for their project’s specific conservation actions. It can also help managers and funders develop standard objectives and performance indicators to report on similar actions across a portfolio of actions. It is our hope that CAML will provide the basis for systematic learning about the conditions under which different actions work. Click here for presentation.