Evaluating natural monuments management objectives using SMART and SMARTER methods

Abstract

This research presents the process of assessment of management objectives for natural monuments by applying two multi-criteria methods: SMART and SMARTER. For SMART application three decision makers performed the required assessments, while SMARTER results were gained by using the ranking of objectives. Namely, in both cases, the bases of the assessments were the management guidelines defined by the IUCN organization. In SMARTER analysis the ranking of objectives defined by the IUCN was the only input data, while SMART application included decision makers who assigned the points to each objective respecting the IUCN ranking. The obtained results represent the weights (cardinal values) of management objectives for natural monuments, which can be a convenient basis for further assessment and evaluation of management plans for this category of protected areas. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 174003: Theory and application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in multi-criteria decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty (individual and group context]

Keywords

• natural monuments
• management objectives
• SMART
• SMARTER