Enabling participatory monitoring and evaluation: Insights for conservation practitioners and organizations

• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.70032
• Publication Date: 2025-03-29T19:28:33Z
• Authors: Amanda Sigouin; Ana Luz Porzecanski; Erin Betley; Nadav Gazit; Peter Lichtenthal; Samantha H. Cheng; Pablo Pacheco; Shauna L. Mahajan
• Keywords: Participatory Evaluation

Abstract Mounting environmental crises and the persistent factors driving them require a reconsideration of conservation approaches. Participatory monitoring evaluation (PME) is increasingly valued as way for Indigenous peoples local community actors to lead or engage in activities that directly affect them. While research shows PME can yield favorable outcomes communities (e.g., knowledge co‐production, social learning, trust building) conservation, practical insights are scattered. Here we draw from literature discussions with professionals field distill guidance design, implementation, support conservation. This perspective highlights three themes effective PME: navigating collaborations, working within diverse cultural contexts, co‐managing resources (including needed generated by PME). We recommend practitioners organizations, including our own, these focal areas reflecting on purpose PME, learning relevant experiences, strengthening capacity supporting through innovative flexible financing. see actions leverage points promote advance inclusive approaches biodiversity