Implementation of resource management plans: Identifying keys to success

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2008-09, Vol.88 (4), p.594-606
• Main Authors: Joseph, Chris, Gunton, Thomas I., Day, J.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; British Columbia; Canada; case studies; Collaboration; Collaborative planning; community development; Conservation of Natural Resources; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Cooperative Behavior; Environmental and resource planning; Environmental management; environmental monitoring; Environmental planning; Evaluation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; implementation success; implementation theory; issues and policy; land use planning; methodology; natural resource management; Plan evaluation; Plan implementation; Planning; Planning methods; Policy implementation; policy makers; psychosocial factors; Resource management; stakeholders; Success; surveys
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.03.028

One of the primary challenges in resource and environmental planning is successful implementation of plans. Plan implementation is a complex process influenced by many factors. This study identifies 19 criteria affecting implementation success and tests the impact of these criteria through a case study of collaborative plan implementation in British Columbia, Canada. The significance of criteria and degree to which they are met is assessed by a survey of senior officials responsible for plan implementation. An implementation evaluation index (IEI) is constructed to assess the quality of plan implementation systems and best practices for effective implementation are identified.