This document provides a very good example of a simple approach to using results chains as a framework for a participatory, theory-based evaluation. WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and FOS (Foundations of Success) developed draft results chains retrospectively to describe the theories of change behind each of WCS’ strategies and then worked with the project team to refine the results chains and rate progress to date toward specific results, using qualitative ratings (3 = a lot of progress; 2 = some progress; 1 = little progress; 0 = no progress; -1 = negative impact). The team then discussed whether it made…

IFAW (The International Fund for Animal Welfare) has developed a comprehensive guide to the the first four steps of the Open Standards.  It takes a simple and clear approach that is based in classroom teaching Whilst it is focused quite closely on IFAW’s needs, it has wide applicability and many valuable hints to successfully completing each step.   Testing assumptions and adapting actions Citation: DeWan, A., and Lentz, H. 2016. IFAW Open Standards: Guide for Learning and Implementation. International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA.

Filled with many handy hints and alternative approaches to steps and aspects of the Open Standards, this toolkit is a very valuable resource.  The document provides approaches to conducting workshops, resolving the OS steps, checking whether you have been thorough and providing worksheets. Many folks will find that copying out proformas, or using the options outlined will make the OS approach really come to life. Citation: Audubon (2011). Tools of Engagement: A Toolkit for Engaging People in Conservation, National Audubon Society, Washington, D.C.

This is a very valuable guide to integrating the Open Standards into the fabric of how conservation organizations do business. If we want to improve the effectiveness of our organizations and be able to make data-informed investment decisions, then we need to be able to connect the information generated using the Open Standards – about what we are conserving, how these ecosystems and species are doing, the threats they are facing, and the effectiveness of our strategies – with our organizations’ information about fundraising, finances, and human resources. Stewart outlines how to systematize the flow of information between these different…

This excellent, thorough, evidence-based application of Steps 1 and 2 of the Open Standards applies to a small wildlife refuge in the United States – the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge. Each step in the process is clearly explained with available literature and data used to support key decisions throughout the planning process. It may be most relevant as an example for government agencies that are legally required to thoroughly document their management decisions. Because the US Fish and Wildlife has a separate work plan, this is not included. There is also no explanation of how the refuge will practice…

Located in one of a very few Asian Tiger source areas, this inspirational tale of adapting actions, strategies, monitoring and even objectives based squarely on evidence by hundreds of people demonstrates the power of the Open Standards. Wild tigers and their ungulate prey in Lao PDR are threatened by illegal hunting so law enforcement and outreach strategies were rolled out over 10 years to combat population decline. Monitoring and control methods adapted as results demonstrated levels of success, for instance: camera trapping was replaced by opportunistic tiger scat collection and DNA analysis armed foot patrols were expanded in numbers and…

The contribution of Healthy Country Planning to empowering indigenous peoples and in getting people back on country is very exciting and this plan is an excellent example of that movement. This plan outlines concrete steps for the community to take back management of their traditional country and improve the communities’ well-being.  Published in 2010 at the start of the HCP process, it does lack some connections among strategies, results chain and intermediate objectives and indicators. These aspects have been gradually adopted and developed over the intervening years. See the Wunambal Gaambera Mid-term evaluation (2015) for progress five years on and…