VPA Impact Monitoring

• an “evidence-based policy cycle” reiterative/adjustable to steer by

• based on reality checks

• to show if implementation leads to the intended effects

FLEGT /VPA

How

Why

Monitoring obligations for the EU

• To monitor the progress and impacts of the EU FLEGT Action Plan

• The EU is a party to each and every VPA

• Key issues that EC finds important

EU objectives for VPA impact monitoring

• To understand progress and changes over medium to long term, in each VPA country

• To understand where improvements are needed

Objectives partner country stakeholders

• To monitor VPA effects on the ground

• Are expected changes really coming about?

Towards agreed national monitoring (1/2)

• Agreement between all partners/stakeholders

• Agree on key impact areas that could be monitored in all VPA countries over time

• Propose potential indicators for capturing evidence

Towards agreed national monitoring (2/2)

• Identify available methodologies

• Rely on available data when possible

• Identify other monitoring processes and existing data sources, also in terms of baseline setting

Step-by-step

• Ghana has taken first steps in the development process – stage of impact area

• Assist other countries willing to take next steps with this VPA commitment

Assumed Outcomes Desired ImpactsGreater transparency Greater accountabilityImproved forest governance Improvements across

environmental, social and economic sectors

Clear definition of legal timber Improved policy implementation and compliance with laws

Increased implementation of forest management plans

Positive social and environmental impacts

Multi-stakeholder participation in forest sector

Strengthens civil society

Clear and respected tenure Improved forest management and local communities’ benefits

Increased capacity of forest management institutions

Reduced illegal logging, improved forest management

Increased law enforcement (reduced illegal logging)

Improved economic development (government revenue)

Greater institutional capacity and effectiveness

Laws enforcedManagement plans implemented

Options for Priority Impact Areas1. Institutional effectiveness 2. Accountability 3. Illegal logging4. Tenure and access 5. Forest management 6. Livelihoods and poverty 7. Civil society effectiveness 8. Economic development 9. Domestic market development