Research and Monitoring

Although we realize that monitoring and evaluation as an important component of strategic planning to achieve long-term impacts in biodiversity conservation, it continues to be one of the major areas that requires improvement. A strategic system of measures that reflects progress in achieving conservation impacts according to set goals is essential. A separate Development Research and Monitoring (DRM) unit was established in September 2003 to support and strategize program development, and fund raise for WWF Nepal. The unit is also responsible for coordinating all research activities to strengthen program monitoring activities and communicate impacts in an effective way.

Program monitoring and evaluation
We consider monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to be of great importance in any project or program. To ensure effective impact analysis through a consistent approach, the State-Pressure- Response (SPR) model has been an important consideration. This model provides a conceptual framework for the definition of
appropriate objectives, indicators, their monitoring, and their subsequent evaluation to determine success. Besides national level outputs and impacts, we also work for WWF's global targets monitoring.

Research
The DRM unit also coordinates small action research activities. The research topics mainly involve assessments that contribute to our work. Last year, our mall Grants Program supported the dissertation work of six students.

GIS laboratory
The GIS laboratory is a service provider that is not only used for generating and analyzing project data but also supports researchers and students of various academic institutions, NGOs, government institutions, projects, consultants, the wider WWF network and other stakeholders. The laboratory provides raw data, digitized vector data, classified raster data and printing facilities. our GIS laboratory also provides GPS and GIS training to forest technicians and local
communities to enhance their survey skills.