Monitoring, evaluation and reporting are key to protecting Victoria’s biodiversity. Keeping track of how things are changing and progressing allows us to make ongoing improvements to the actions we take.
The Biodiversity 2037 Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvements Framework (Biodiversity 2037 MERF) Version 2.0 is an important part of Victoria’s 20-year plan for the future of our biodiversity, Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2037,(Biodiversity 2037).
The Biodiversity 2037 MERF assesses how effectively Biodiversity 2037 is being put into action and our progress in achieving our goals. It also reports on performance and helps us improve over time, as part of our commitment to ensuring Victoria’s biodiversity is healthy, valued and actively cared for.
Read the full MERF here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Biodiversity 2037 MERF?
The Biodiversity Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Framework (Biodiversity 2037 MERF) provides an overarching framework for the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of biodiversity related strategies, regulations and programs. Version 2 of the Biodiversity 2037 MERF is the latest update of the document. It is reviewed and updated every five years.
Who uses the Biodiversity 2037 MERF?
The Biodiversity 2037 MERF was developed for organisations and individuals that are undertaking actions that contribute to Biodiversity 2037.
What information is used in the Biodiversity 2037 MERF?
The Biodiversity 2037 MERF directly draws on the goals and methods outlined in Biodiversity 2037. These goals are informed by the latest ecological knowledge and modelling to understand, as much as possible, the impacts and effectiveness of our management actions. The Biodiversity 2037 MERF measures progress towards the targeted outcomes through key performance indicators (KPIs). Indicators use information from DELWP’s standard outputs, condition assessments, surveys, scorecards and many other forms of reported data.
How does the Biodiversity 2037 MERF measure progress?
Biodiversity 2037 MERF measures progress annually through standard data collection and will produce an annual report on targets and enabling actions. Some KPIs are measured five-yearly and will be reported on as part of the formal evaluation and refresh every five years.
How does the Biodiversity 2037 MERF connect with Biodiversity 2037?
The Biodiversity 2037 MERF is the process for managing and using biodiversity information. It allows our management of Victoria’s environment evidence-based, effective, and continuously improving.
When and how will Biodiversity 2037 be evaluated?
Biodiversity 2037 will be evaluated every five years through a series of internal and external audits. These will assess performance, spending and alignment with goals. This evaluation will focus on if we are headed in the right direction to achieve the vision, targets and broad outcomes of Biodiversity 2037.
What is the logic framework?
The logic framework for Biodiversity 2037 describes the relationships between biodiversity activities, outputs, outcomes and how these are expected to lead to broad outcomes. It identifies key performance indicators, key evaluation questions, and informs adaptive improvements to the implementation of Biodiversity 2037.
How do I contribute to the Key Performance Indicators?
For the groups and organisations who already report to DELWP reporting on activities as usual is how your contribution is made. If DELWP requires you to change the way you report, or is requesting new information, you will be contacted as required. Reporting will be collated annually and analysed by DELWP.
How will progress be reported?
Progress against KPIs will be publicly reported annually, and released on the department’s website. We expect the first progress report to be available by the end of 2020.
When does the Biodiversity 2037 MERF come into effect?
It is already being used. The Biodiversity 2037 MERF has been used to evaluate the first year of Biodiversity Response Planning and to provide information to the State of Environment Reporting. The Biodiversity Knowledge Framework has already been used as the basis of the 2019 Knowledge Grants.
Biodiversity 2037 Implementation Cycle
The Biodiversity 2037 MERF is active throughout the implementation cycle to make sure that we improve the planning and implementation of actions.
The Implementation Cycle reflects the key stages within and across the 20-year timeframe of the Biodiversity Plan.
These are:
- The strategy itself (Biodiversity 2037) and its review after 20 years.
- The enabling environment and planning process, including work that DELWP undertakes to provide tools and systems, regulations and standards, and collaborative planning.
- Everyone undertaking actions that contribute to the targets of Biodiversity 2037 – this includes all the contributions of individuals, community groups, Traditional Owners, non-government organisations and government agencies
- Monitoring, evaluating, reporting, and improving how we do things. This embeds continuous improvement into planning and action.
Our work is guided by the Biodiversity 2037 Implementation Cycle below. This cycle allows for continuous planning and delivery of our goals through adaptive management. It also makes sure that the targets are updated as part of the refresh of Biodiversity 2037 every 5 years.
Click here or the diagram below for a more detailed Implementation Cycle.
Progress towards the vision of Biodiversity 2037 is measured throughout the Implementation Cycle. To see how we're tracking, visit Implementing Biodiversity 2037.
The Biodiversity Knowledge Framework
The Biodiversity Knowledge Framework supports the MERF by identifying knowledge gaps and prioritising research that will improve our capacity to achieve the goals of Biodiversity 2037.
Page last updated: 29/04/22