Defining Success: A Multicriteria Approach to Guide Evaluation and Investment

Abstract

Environmental water programs have complex goals and operate over long periods, and often across large spatial scales. As more programs transition from high-level policy commitments to on-ground implementation, it is becoming increasingly important to evaluate the success of these programs. Traditionally, the evaluation of environmental water programs has focused on effectiveness and efficiency and monitoring reports often focus on outputs at the expense of outcomes. This chapter identifies six criteria to help define success over the long term, and guide ongoing investment to implement and sustain environmental watering programs. Three criteria emphasize the broad policy goals of environment..