Evaluating the conservation impact of Antarctica's protected areas

Antarctic specially protected areas (ASPAs) are a key regulatory mechanism for protecting Antarctic environmental values. Previous evaluations of the effectiveness of the ASPA system focused on its representativeness and design characteristics, presenting a compelling rationale for its systematic revision. Upgrading the system could increase the representation of values within ASPAs, but representation alone does not guarantee the avoided loss or improvement of those values. Identifying factors that influence the effectiveness of ASPAs would inform the design and management of an ASPA system with the greatest capacity to deliver its intended conservation outcomes. To facilitate evaluations of ASPA effectiveness, we devised a research and policy agenda that includes articulating a theory of change for what outcomes ASPAs generate and how; building evaluation principles into ASPA design and designation processes; employing complementary approaches to evaluate multiple dimensions of effectiveness; and extending evaluation findings to identify and exploit drivers of positive conservation impact. Implementing these approaches will enhance the efficacy of ASPAs as a management tool, potentially leading to improved outcomes for Antarctic natural values in an era of rapid global change.Evaluacion del impacto de conservacion de las areas protegidas de la Antartida

Automated summary

Antarctic specially protected areas (ASPAs) are important for protecting Antarctic environmental values. Previous evaluations of the ASPA system found a need for systematic revision. Upgrading the system could improve representation of values, but additional measures are needed to ensure conservation outcomes. To enhance ASPA effectiveness, a research and policy agenda has been proposed, including articulating a theory of change, incorporating evaluation principles, employing complementary approaches, and identifying drivers of positive conservation impact.