Effectiveness of Antarctic environmental management

Antarctic environment (2016, 2011)

Effectiveness of Antarctic environmental management

Antarctica

Ineffective,Partially effective,Effective,Very effective

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

This assessment summary component has changed from 2011.

The title has been changed from 'World Heritage and protected areas' to 'World heritage for subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty' to better reflect the component being assessed.

The original 2011 summary, grade, trend and confidence levels have been replicated here to assist comparison of changes between reporting cycles.

Understanding: Nomination of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) under the Antarctic Treaty, and World Heritage listing for the subantarctic Heard Islands and McDonald Islands, and Macquarie Island are based on their recognised natural and cultural values

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Management plans are in place for World Heritage listed areas and ASPAs reflecting the natural and cultural values for which they are protected. Access to and activities in these areas are managed according to Australian environmental legislation with due regard to preserving those values.

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management achievements

Understanding: The nomination of World Heritage and protected areas is based on their recognised natural and cultural values

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management achievements

Planning: Management plans are in place and are reviewed regularly

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Management plans for all World Heritage areas and ASPAs are in place and have been reviewed as scheduled. They include Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan, Mawson’s Huts Management Plan, Mawson Station Management Plan and ASPA management plans

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management achievements

Planning: Management plans are in place and are reviewed regularly

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management achievements

Inputs: Financial, human and information resources are available to implement the management plans

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Management plans are implemented by the Australian Antarctic Division as part of its administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management achievements

Inputs: Financial, human and information resources are available to implement the management plans

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management achievements

Processes: For Heard Island and McDonald Islands, there is stakeholder consultation, and all management plans are open to public consultation

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Chapter 8 of the HIMI Marine Reserve Management Plan includes provisions for engaging with stakeholders and partners. The management plan is publicly available at www.heardisland.antarctica.gov.au

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management achievements

Processes: For Heard Island and McDonald Islands, there is stakeholder consultation and all management plans are open to public consultation

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management achievements

Outputs and outcomes: Identified natural and cultural heritage values are being preserved

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

World heritage of subantarctic islands and protected areas under the Antarctic Treaty

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan, Mawson’s Huts Management Plan, Mawson Station Management Plan and ASPA management plans

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management achievements

Outputs and outcomes: Identified natural and cultural heritage values are being preserved

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management achievements

Land use and management

Understanding: A good understanding of the impacts of human activities in our operational environment exists

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Land use and management

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

The likely environmental impacts of activities being undertaken in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean are assessed through the legislated environment impact assessment process, enacting the provisions of the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty. Additional information is available at: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/human-impacts-in-antarctica

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Understanding: There is a good understanding of the impacts of human activities in our operational environment

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Planning: The AAD’s environmental management policy provides an overarching policy framework for all activities in the AAT and the subantarctic islands. This policy is consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Antarctic Treaty

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Land use and management

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/environment-policy-and-management/aad-... policy

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Planning: AAD's environmental management policy provides an overarching policy framework for all activities in the Australian Antarctic Territory and subantarctic islands. This policy is consistent with Australia's obligations under the Antarctic Treaty

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Inputs: The AAD administers an environmental management system supported by a program of scientific research

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Land use and management

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/environment-policy-and-management/aad-... policy

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Inputs: AAD administers an environmental management system supported by a program of scientific research

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Processes: The environmental management system is certified to the internationally recognised standard (AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004). The AAD’s environmental policy was last reviewed in 2009

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Land use and management

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

AAD Environmental Performance Committee, unpublished reports

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Processes: The environmental management system is certified to the internationally recognised standard (AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004). The AAD's environmental policy was last reviewed in 2009

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Outputs and outcomes: Relevant management information collected through the environmental management system is used to guide management decisions

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Land use and management

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/environment-policy-and-manageme...

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Outputs and outcomes: Relevant management information collected through the environmental management system is used to guide management decisions

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

Understanding: There are still a number of significant uncertainties about the impacts of climate change; however, scientific programs are in place to further our understanding of processes and future implications

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/australian-antarctic-science-strate...

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Governance

Understanding: There are a number of significant uncertainties about the impacts of climate change; however, scientific programs are in place to further our understanding of processes and future implications

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Governance

Planning: The forecast infrastructure plan takes into account energy efficiencies and carbon emissions

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Unpublished documents and reports

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Governance

Planning: The forecast infrastructure plan takes into account energy efficiencies and carbon emissions

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Governance

Inputs: Adaptive management is resourced within the current operational framework

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Environmental management and adaptive management is implemented by the Australian Antarctic Division as part of their administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory and Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Governance

Inputs: Adaptive management is resourced within the current operational framework

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Governance

Processes: Scientific studies are examining potential effects of climate change

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/australian-antarctic-science-strate...

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Governance

Processes: Scientific studies are examining potential effects of climate change

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Governance

Outputs and outcomes: As scientific results become available, policies are formulated

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Adaptation to climate variability and climate change

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

Scientific input informs policy development in international forums including CCAMLR, ACAP, ATCM and CEP. Various working documents are not publicly available.

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Governance

Outputs and outcomes: As scientific results become available, policies will be formulated

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Governance

Introduced and invasive species

This assessment summary component has changed from 2011.

The title has been changed from 'Pests and invasive species management' to 'Introduced and invasive species'.

The original 2011 summary, grade, trend and confidence levels have been replicated here to assist comparison of changes between reporting cycles.

Understanding: There is a good understanding of threats and impacts of non-native species, on both the Antarctic continent and the subantarctic islands

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Introduced and invasive species

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the State and trends section the following references also support this assessment:

Chown et al. 2012

Chown S, Lee J, Hughes K, Barnes J, Barrett P, Bergstrom D, Convey P, Cowan D, Crosbie K, Dyer G & Frenot Y (2012). Challenges to the future conservation of the Antarctic. Science, 337, 158-159.

Early et al. 2016

Early R, Bradley BA, Dukes JS, Lawler JJ, Olden JD, Blumenthal DM, Gonzalez P, Grosholz ED, Iba&‌ntilde;ez, I, Miller LP. and Sorte CJB & Tatem AJ (2016). Global threats from invasive alien species in the twenty-first century and national response capacities. Nature Communications, 1-9.

McGeoch et al. 2015

McGeoch MA, Shaw JD, Terauds A, Lee JE & Chown SL (2015). Monitoring biological invasion across the broader Antarctic: a baseline and indicator framework. Global Environmental Change, 108-125.

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Understanding: There is a good understanding of threats and impacts of alien species, both on the Antarctic continent and subantarctic islands

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Planning: Policies are in place to minimise the risk and impact of non-native introductions

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Introduced and invasive species

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/environment-policy-and-management

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Planning: Policies are in place to minimise the risk and impact of alien introductions

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Inputs: Human resources are allocated to implement policies to minimise the risk of non-native introductions

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Introduced and invasive species

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

n/a

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Inputs: Human resources are allocated to implement policies that minimise the risk of alien introductions (participation in the Committee for Environmental Protection's Aliens in Antarctica science program, environmental officers on all stations, ships and at the AAD)

Year(s):

2011

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Processes: Environmental training and information are provided to all personnel and the public

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Introduced and invasive species

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/environmental-impact-assessment....

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Processes: Environmental training and information are provided to all personnel and to the public

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

Outputs and outcomes: The legacy of non-native introductions into Antarctic and subantarctic environments (e.g. rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island) has been mitigated through eradication efforts

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Introduced and invasive species

20162011

Antarctic environment

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the State and trends section the following references also support this assessment:

Springer 2016

Springer K (2016). Methodology and challenges of a complex multi-species eradication in the sub-Antarctic and immediate effects of invasive species removal. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 40(2):273–278.

Whinam et al. 2014

Whinam J, Fitzgerald N, Visoiu M & Copson G (2014). Thirty years of vegetation dynamics in response to a fluctuating rabbit population on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Ecological Management & Restoration, 41-51.

Comments

The assessment remains largely the same as in 2011.

Topics

Management processes

Outputs and outcomes: There is a legacy of alien introductions into Antarctic and subantarctic environments (e.g. rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island); however, in recent years, programs have been effective in mitigating the risks

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management processes

AAD = Australian Antarctic Division

Assessment Summary Key

Grades

Very effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is good for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Effective legislation, policies and plans are in place for addressing all or most significant issues. Policies and plans clearly establish management objectives and operations targeted at major risks. Responsibility for managing issues is clearly and appropriately allocated
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are largely adequate to address management issues. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform management decisions
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Well-designed management systems are being implemented for effective delivery of planned management actions, including clear governance arrangements, appropriate stakeholder engagement, active adaptive management and adequate reporting against goals
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are mostly progressing in accordance with planned programs and are achieving their desired objectives. Targeted threats are being demonstrably reduced
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is being maintained or improving. Values are considered secured against known threats

Effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is generally good, but there is some variability across management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Effective legislation, policies and plans are in place, and management responsibilities are allocated appropriately, for addressing many significant issues. Policies and plans clearly establish management objectives and priorities for addressing major risks, but may not specify implementation procedures
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are mostly adequate to address management issues, but may not be secure. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform decisions, although there may be deficiencies in some areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Well-designed management systems are in place, but are not yet being fully implemented
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are mostly progressing in accordance with planned programs and are achieving their desired objectives. Targeted threats are understood, and measures are in place to manage them
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is improving, but threats remain as significant factors affecting environmental systems

Partially effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is only fair for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Legislation, policies and planning systems are deficient, and/or there is lack of clarity about who has management responsibility, for several significant issues
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are unable to address management issues in some important areas. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform management decisions, although there are significant deficiencies in some areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Management systems provide some guidance, but are not consistently delivering on implementation of management actions, stakeholder engagement, adaptive management or reporting
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are progressing and showing signs of achieving some objectives. Targeted threats are understood, and measures are being developed to manage them
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	The expected impacts of management measures on improving resilience of environmental values are yet to be seen. Managed threats remain as significant factors influencing environmental systems

Ineffective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is poor for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Legislation, policies and planning systems have not been developed to address significant issues
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are unable to address management issues in many areas. Biophysical and socio-economic information to support decisions is deficient in many areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Adequate management systems are not in place. Lack of consistency and integration of management activities across jurisdictions is a problem for many issues
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are either not progressing in accordance with planned programs (significant delays or incomplete actions) or the actions undertaken are not achieving their objectives. Threats are not actively being addressed
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is still low or continuing to decline. Unmitigated threats remain as significant factors influencing environmental systems

Recent Trends

Improving
Stable
Deteriorating
Unclear

Confidence

Adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
Somewhat adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence or high level of consensus
Limited: Limited evidence or limited consensus
Very limited: Limited evidence and limited consensus
Low: Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment

Comparability

Comparable: Grade and trend are comparable to the previous assessment
Somewhat comparable: Grade and trend are somewhat comparable to the previous assessment
Not comparable: Grade and trend are not comparable to the previous assessment
Not previously assessed

Klekociuk A, Wienecke B (2016). Antarctic environment: Effectiveness of Antarctic environmental management. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/assessment-summary/antarctic-environment/effectiveness-antarctic-environmental-management, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65b2b307c0

The assessment summaries in State of the Environment reporting provide snapshots of key information, and focus on identifying areas for continued or more concentrated attention on strengthening environmental systems to cope with pressures in the future. Assessment summaries are provided for state and trend, pressures and management responses in each of the themes. The summary text in the assessment tables should be read in conjunction with the explanatory text in each section of the theme chapters.

The authors have indicated the strength of the evidence for assessments with a ‘level of confidence’. If adequate high-quality data were available or consensus was high, confidence is indicated as high. If there were only limited data or consensus to determine grades, confidence is indicated as low. Where data are insufficient to attempt scores, this is also indicated, and the component remains on the list to remind readers that it is still an important aspect of the Australian environment, and that more information is needed to improve our understanding and capacity to respond to environmental challenges.