This is one of the two most widely used/adapted globally applicable generic systems developed to assess protected area management effectiveness. It is used to report progress towards the Convention on Biological Diversity. The RAPPAM methodology is designed for broad level comparisons among many protected areas which together make a protected areas network or system. RAPPAM provides protected area agencies with a country-wide overview of the effectiveness of protected area management, threats, vulnerabilities and degradation. It can be used for prioritization and resource allocation, to raise awareness and support, and to improve management (adaptive management) – at system level
It can also:
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Identify management strengths, constraints and weaknesses.
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Analyze the scope, severity, prevalence and distribution of a variety of threats and pressures.
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Identify areas of high ecological and social importance and vulnerability.
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Indicate the urgency and conservation priority for individual protected areas.
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Help to develop and prioritize appropriate policy interventions and follow-up steps to improve protected area management effectiveness.