making a difference, information from a range of sources is needed. This MERI Strategy aims to support the collection and communication of information at three levels, as depicted in Figure 2. Figure 2: Information from three sources will be used to build a comprehensive picture of program achievements 3 MERI principles and Key Evaluation Questions The following principles should be applied when designing and implementing MERI at both project and program level: Fit for purpose: Tailored to the design, purpose and objectives of Caring for our Country and the Biodiversity Fund projects and programs. Credible: Based on scientifically and administratively defensible methods and approaches. Transparent: Clearly demonstrate how public has been spent, the resulting outputs, and where possible outcomes. Cost effective: The cost of MERI activities is within allowable limits, and possible draws on and links with existing processes and information. The following Key Evaluation Questions should help frame the broad approach to MERI at the project and program level. Based on the general Key Evaluation Questions below, project and programs may develop more specific project or program evaluation questions. Effectiveness: Were the planned activities performed, and to the standard required? Impact: What is the outcome, or result of having done the planned activities - i.e. what changes in the condition of environmental assets, changes in management practices and/or changes in institutions can be observed? Appropriateness: Was this the best way to have addressed the problem? Did the activities and the way they were undertaken align with stakeholder needs and expectations. Were they consistent with relevant NRM policy and priorities? Efficiency: Did the project / program achieve the desired results within budget? To what extent did the project / program attain the highest from available resources – could the same outcomes be achieved more simply and for less cost next time? Legacy: Will the project / program continue to have an impact after its completion? 4 Implementing MERI – funding
Longer term project outcome To help understand the NRM or biodiversity outcome (or impact) of the project. Evidence of asset condition change (e.g. enhanced ecosystem health) • (existing or new) scientifically robust methodology applied. • Use (existing or new) indicators of change • What was the impact of the project? • Were there unintended impacts • Were there external factors which impacted on the project. Intermediate project outcome To help understand whether the project (effectively) achieved the management or conservation activities it set out to. Evidence of project deliverable (e.g. reduction in density of weeds / pests) Evidence of better practice adopted. • Baseline and post activity pest numbers on project site • Photo point (GPS linked) documentation • Follow-up survey with participants • Recognised ‘management’ actions recorded • Did the project achieve what it set out to and to the standard expected, and within budget? • What could have been done differently / better? Immediate project activities and outcomes To understand whether a specific project activity occurred and had the intended result (was appropriate) in order for the project to progress. Evidence of revegetation activities completed Evidence of workshop attendance • Photographic documentation • Registration of attendees and attendee satisfaction with workshop • Was the activity completed and did it have the intended result? • Was the activity appropriate, or would a different approach be better? 4.2.2 Biodiversity Fund All Biodiversity Fund projects, with the exception of Round 1 projects, with approved Funds greater than or equal to $500,000 (GST exclusive) are required to collect ecological monitoring data and report the data collected to the department. This data can be collected using one of the following recognised methods, the department may add additional methodologies to this list: Habitat Hectares BioMetric: Terrestrial Biodiversity Tool BioCondition TasVeg: Tasmanian Vegetation Condition Assessment Method Bushland Condition Monitoring Native Vegetation Condition Assessment & Monitoring for WA