Enhancing Protected Area Management: The Power of METT in Shar National Park

In environmental conservation, effectively managing protected areas is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. One innovative approach gaining traction is the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While not mandated by law, METT has emerged as an invaluable resource for park managers, enabling them to gauge progress and enhance their management strategies.

Shar National Park in North Macedonia stands out as a pioneering example, having integrated METT into its management framework from the outset. With 75% of its area designated for high protection according to IUCN standards, the park has embraced METT as a key self-assessment strategy for the past three years. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to addressing critical threats and improving management practices.

METT serves as an efficient tool for tracking the effectiveness of management practices in protecting the park’s key ecological values. Sharr National Park has identified five crucial indicator species and five key habitats to monitor and conserve, with support from the PONT initiative aimed at safeguarding these vital components.

Recently, the management team at Shar National Park hosted a dynamic two-day workshop that brought together park staff and local stakeholders the first day focused on internal assessments, engaging diverse personnel financial and institutional management including rangers, forest technicians, and tourism development staff in a comprehensive review of previous METT evaluations. This collaborative effort allowed participants to assess current data and indicators, measuring the park’s management effectiveness over time.

On the second day, the emphasis shifted to stakeholder involvement, a wide range of representatives from local governments, private sector partners, civil society organisations and core people from the Park’s stakeholder council were invited. The invitation was extended also to a broader group of collaborators. With a custom METT datasheet guiding discussions, participants explored the park’s management strategies, fostering awareness and building consensus. Notably, this year’s sessions incorporated climate change considerations, emphasising the need to protect forests against flash floods, erosion, wildfires, and water scarcity.

The active participation of protected area managers demonstrated their commitment to a collaborative approach, ensuring that the workshops evaluated existing practices and laid the groundwork for future objectives. In-depth discussions during the scoring process enhanced the accuracy of assessments, positioning METT as both a performance metric and a vital tool for stakeholder collaboration.

While, in general, self-assessment tools can sometimes be met with scepticism, the METT’s structured format mitigates potential biases by standardising responses and equipping participants with the knowledge they need. Pre-assessment training is recommended to align all participants with the METT process, promoting robust and objective outcomes.

One significant takeaway from the workshops is that consistency in assessment conditions and capacity-building efforts can greatly enhance participant engagement and self-reflection. Although the stakeholder council is not a decision-making body, their inclusion in strategic discussions enriches the overall process. Often, the most substantial benefits arise from the final reports and the collaborative evaluation itself.

Engaging diverse stakeholders including park managers, local officials, NGOs, and community members fosters a sense of ownership and enhances management effectiveness. The progress made over three years is evident, but the journey does not end here. METT has illuminated pathways for improvement, ensuring that Shar National Park continues to thrive.

By: ALCDF & Shar Mountain National Park