Output measurement in evaluation of ecosystem protection programmes

Abstract

Protection of species and ecosystems from damage by introduced species typically involves use of taxpayer funds. Governments are increasingly concerned to ensure value for money is achieved, and request evaluation of these ecosystem protection programmes. Use of Cost Effectiveness Analysis in evaluation is hampered by the absence of a measure which recognises both the level and the duration of output achieved by protection actions. An analogous problems is overcome in health programme evaluation by use of QALY and Cost Utility Analysis. A new measure of output from ecosystem protection programmes, Equivalent Ecosystem Protection Years, EPY, is proposed. Use of this measure would allow more accurate comparison of the costs of achieving ecosystem protection at many sites. EPY might be weighted to reflect variations in time of protection, rarity of ecosystems, and importance of areas for recreation, and providea clearer guide to the value of output.