making a difference, information from a range information at three levels, as depicted in Figure of sources is needed. This MERI Strategy aims to 2. support the collection and communication of Figure 2: Information from three sources will be used to build a comprehensive picture of program achievements 3 MERI principles and Key Evaluation Questions program evaluation questions. The following principles should be applied Effectiveness: Were the planned activities when designing and implementing MERI at performed, and to the standard required? both project and program level: Impact: What is the outcome, or result of Fit for purpose: Tailored to the design, having done the planned activities - purpose and objectives of Caring for our i.e. what changes in the condition of Country and the Biodiversity Fund projects environmental assets, changes in and programs. management practices and/or changes Credible: Based on scientifically and in institutions can be observed? administratively defensible methods Appropriateness: Was this the best and approaches. way to have addressed the problem? Transparent: Clearly demonstrate how Did the activities and the way they were public has been spent, the resulting undertaken align with stakeholder needs outputs, and where possible outcomes. and expectations. Were they consistent Cost effective: The cost of MERI activities is with relevant NRM policy and priorities? within allowable limits, and possible Efficiency: Did the project / program draws on and links with existing processes achieve the desired results within budget? and information. 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 The following Key Evaluation Questions should next time? help frame the broad approach to MERI at the Legacy: Will the project / program continue project and program level. Based on the general to have an impact after Key Evaluation Questions below, project and its completion? programs may develop more specific project or 4 Implementing MERI funding –
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
2013-18-meri-strategy.docx