event 366 40

Statistics for periodic reporting: 

Statistics for periodic reporting Simon Ellis

What’s it for?: 

What’s it for? Outstanding Universal Value? Management process? Risk/threat Resources Future plans? All of the above!!

What can we expect?: 

What can we expect? From site managers EU/NA everything?, other regions much less?? Statistics or qualitative info? Resources database design > data entry > extraction > publishing > long term maintenance Training; glossaries, technical assistance, capacity building

Fundamental principles of statistics: 

Fundamental principles of statistics Minimise the collection burden on countries Fitness for purpose Do not duplicate collection of the same information Only collect what is needed and use all that is collected

Iceberg or Pyramid?: 

Iceberg or Pyramid? Site level Management effectiveness National level Management effectiveness Publication Prioritisation Identify best practice Regional level Publications and reviews Prioritisation Identify best practice Global level Universal value Prioritisation Evidence based policy

Response rates ~ local co-operation: 

Response rates ~ local co-operation Less than 60% of countries reported whether they had involved local authorities or communities In Arab States less than 40%

Low response rates ~ some reasons: 

Low response rates ~ some reasons Design issues; use of colour Capacity; resources, technical skills Results not used Understanding; language, concepts Number of open questions; length of time/thought required Other work; relevance, priority

The questionnaires: 

The questionnaires Too many questions often open-ended, no time to process = not used Duplication, inconsistency Flow and routing Complex notes Translation/adaptation issues Too many questions about uncertain future For each question ask for all regions Is this often filled in? Are answers clear? Is the data used in publications and reports? Are answers/non-response followed up? Use and feedback Periodicity; to what extent is structure fixed for whole reporting cycle? Regional cycle = reduced comparability

A new strategy: 

A new strategy At international level put resources into improving response rates in a smaller set of ‘core’ data Review questionnaire design consider mixed instruments Data sheet Structured questionnaire (matrix, yes/no) Interview (qualitative data) Inventory (facilities) Leave detailed interpretation to national (and regional?) levels

A core data set (all types of site): 

A core data set (all types of site) Absolute minimum Site ref no Staff numbers Area covered by designation Population in smallest surrounding administrative community Other possibilities less likely to be available Annual visitor numbers Budget for on-site activities Scientific/research publications

Purpose of indicators: 

Purpose of indicators To provide a broad brush picture of trends and patterns of distribution To inform policy decisions To suggest areas for further investigation/research

Indicators: 

Indicators Designation issues Financial resources GDP Human resources Staff State of Conservation Survey problems mean only first category can currently be assessed

Designation ~ number of sites by type and region: 

Designation ~ number of sites by type and region

Designation ~ mountain sites by criteria, nos of sites 1979-1993: 

Designation ~ mountain sites by criteria, nos of sites 1979-1993

Finance: 

Finance Budget in relation to national GDP % of national budget allocated to cultural and natural heritage % of site budget expenditure allocated to conservation % of ticket revenue allocated to site where available

Sites at risk in relation to GDP : 

Sites at risk in relation to GDP

Human resources ~ what level of detail?: 

Human resources ~ what level of detail? Headcount or full time equivalent Trained personnel Cannot judge the quality of the course Training v. years of experience Duties are they distinct roles Conservation, guide,

Potential HR indicators: 

Potential HR indicators Human resources Percentage of staff allocated to conservation, preservation Numbers of staff related to numbers of tourists Numbers of staff in relation to local population

State of Conservation: 

State of Conservation Measures in relation to key thresholds – visitors, acidity Regular maintenance – budget, staff time Measures of annual change – change in average annual rainfall (acidity?), changes in numbers of species etc.